Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari says his government has embarked upon a programme to reform the country’s civil service.
In his 61st Independence Anniversary speech to Nigerians, President Buhari mentioned, amongst other things, his government’s efforts to refocus the highly-maligned civil service.
The Nigerian civil service is considered one of Nigeria’s most corrupt government annexes, and one which has a poor service delivery, according to many. The perception of the Nigerian civil service by locals is one that points to a part of the government that rewards laziness. Buhari, in his speech affirmed this opinion.
“For far too long we have neglected the centrality of the civil service as the engine of governance and this has manifested in ineffective service delivery, ” he said.
“There is widespread discontent and disillusion about the efficiency and probity of our civil service.
“It is for this reason that we are refocusing the Nigerian Civil Service to provide World class service to run our country.
“The youths of this great country remain propellants for our today and provide guarantees that we would have a secure tomorrow.”
The President who is in his sixth year in office also spoke about the participation of youths in politics and governance and his administration’s desire to blood more young Nigerians in that line.
“It is for this reason that I remain focused on expanding opportunities for their participation in politics and governance.
“Recent appointments of young people into positions of authority and their track record so far, gives me confidence that we need to bring more of them into governance and this I promise to do.”