A former head suggests that Nigeria’s civil service needs downsizing to enable it run efficiently and contribute more to development.

He recommended leaner staff, reduction in government economic management responsibilities, and more efficient budgetary allocation as solutions to performance shortfalls.

Immediate past head of service, Enugu State, Chidi Ezema, canvassed these ideas in a book he presents tomorrow, 14 November.

To underscore the importance of a reformed and more efficient service, he devoted more than 10 percent of his 297-page book to service reforms.

On downsizing, Ezema suggested a phased approach that produces leaner, more efficient civil service bureacracy.

This phased approach, he said, enables governments achieve results that are “in line with the levels of social and economic needs.”

He cited examples of reforms by Japanese and UK governments in the 1980s to show the benefits of phased downsizing.

An efficient, phased “cut-back management” approach, he said, eliminates “ghost workers,” and closes “vacant posts,” among other benefits, he said.

A public presentation of the book, titled “The Civil Service, A Practitioners Perspective” is scheduled for tomorrow at Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu.

An online Notice of the event indicates that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is chief guest while Ohaneze boss, Nnia Nwodo, will formally present the book.

Ezema retired in May 2020 as the longest serving Head of Service of Enugu State since the State was created in 1991.

He comes with a rich and well-rounded service experience, having also served as accountant general of the state before his elevation.

His experience also includes stints as Permanent Secretary of the Economic Unit of the office of Secretary to State Government.

He is a chartered accountant, holds an MBA in general management and has attended several local and offshore courses.

Author

  • Ogbuagu Bob Anikwe, a veteran journalist and message development specialist, is now a community journalism advocate and publisher of Enugu Metro. Contact him on any of the channels below.

If you love this, click a button below to share the knowledge