Civil Service Reforms: Lagos hails, understudies FCTA

By Stanley Onyekwere

Lagos State Government has commended the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through its department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement (RCSI) for driving reforms and improving service delivery in the nation’s capital. 

The commendation was made by Executive Secretary and leader of delegation from the Lagos State Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation, Mr. Abdulrahman Lekki during a study visit to the FCTA at its Secretariat on Thursday in Abuja. 

According to Lekki, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu mandated his office to establish Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Departments in the State Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as part of efforts to reposition the Lagos State Civil Service for effective service delivery. 

He disclosed that the State Government also set up his team to take a cue from the establishment of RCSI departments across Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and he decided to visit the FCTA, which is acknowledged as best in the country. 

“In the course of our research, we found out that in the Federal Civil Service, there was a circular in 2014 that gave a directive for the establishment of RCSID in all ministries and it looked like what we had in mind.

“We did the research and submitted to the Governor (Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu) and told him it has been done in Abuja. So we decided to visit Abuja for validation, and other reforms MDAs.

“We visited some of these office:  Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, National Coordinator of Servicom, Bureau of Public Service Reforms and told them we wanted to visit an MDA where Reform Coordination and Service Improvement is being practiced.

“They told us that they have the best performing department of RCSI and that happens to be the FCTA, ably led by Dr. Jumai Ahmadu.

“That is why we are here.

We met the team, they showed us around and we learnt a lot and we now have enough reasons to validate our initial proposition for the establishment of the new department.

Responding, FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola assured the Lagos team of the Administration’s continued commitment to collaboration with the State in information and knowledge sharing, with a view to ensuring effective service delivery to Nigerians. 

He said: “It is indeed a very salutary event that you have been without for the purpose of exchange of information and knowledge.

“Just about this time last year, it was our turn to visit you. We ruminated the entire sectors of Lagos bureaucracy and agencies, and the interaction was very refreshing and supportive of our drive to manage the Territory. 

“He pointed the uniqueness of the FCTA in first with reforms thus: “For us in the FCTA, we have been very fortunate to be located in the Federal Capital Territory, so we tend to gain more momentum. Our proximity, closeness and relationship with the capital has really strengthened our Reform efforts. 

“Adesola also told the team that there were many other reform efforts by the FCTA, including “Transferring of the APER system into the Performance Management System, which is a whole lot of efforts and actitivities. It will enhance performance and service delivery”. 

Speaking earlier, Acting Director, Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu corroborated the Permanent Secretary, saying that it was a privilege that Lagos State Government was coming to learn from the FCTA.

According to her, the FCTA had, even before the directive for establishment of RCSIDs in MDAs, made series of efforts at improving service delivery; one of which is the FCT Call Centre, which was created in 2004. 

Ahmadu appreciated the support of the management of the FCT Administration to the Department, noting that it could not have been possible without the support.

END