Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation National Workshop Uncovers Deep-Rooted Barriers to Sustainable Public Sector Reform in Nigeria

On July 30^th, 2024, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation convened a critical national workshop titled "Rethinking Reforms: Why Many Reforms Fail in Nigeria and What We Can Do About It”. The event gathered a diverse group of both state and non-state actors to discuss the complex challenges impeding Nigeria’s public sector reform efforts.

Underpinned by the Foundation’s in-depth research into public sector reforms, the workshop unveiled the perceptions of state and non-state research respondents on the corrosive impact of nepotism, corruption, and accountability deficits on public service delivery. The stark reality that civil servants and non-state actors alike were calling for the discontinuance of existing practices such as job slots while canvassing for more meritocratic processes underscored the imperative for radical reform. The dissonance in the views of the career civil servants and those of the appointed public servants regarding the planning and implementation of policies or the performance of their Ministries also revealed the need for an alignment on the goals and objectives of public service.

 

Professor Balogun, the lead researcher, presented groundbreaking findings at the National Workshop. His research introduced a new framework for understanding the challenges hindering Nigeria's public sector reforms: the "Multiple Fiefdoms Theory." This theory highlights the destructive clash between two contrasting forces within the nation. On one side is the "Soft Environment," characterized by unity, shared national identity, and a focus on public service. On the other is the "Hard Environment," marked by divisions, conflicting interests, and a culture of patronage. This toxic mix creates a complex landscape where personal loyalty often trumps professional duty, hindering effective governance and stifling reform efforts. The research emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen the Soft Environment by fostering a merit-based public service, promoting accountability, and cultivating a shared national vision.

Furthermore, the research prescribed addressing these environmental challenges through initiatives such as enunciating new public service values, revising the code of conduct, and learning from global best practices to achieve meaningful and sustainable public service reforms.

The National Workshop featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Dr. ‘Dere Awosika OON MFR, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Dr. Joe Abah, Mr. Uyi Akpata, and Mr. ‘Laoye Jaiyeola, who all shared invaluable insights on the complexities of public sector reform and what can be done to ensure its success. The workshop also welcomed the presence of the focused contributors: former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, Justice Amina Augie CON, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Bishop Matthew Kukah and Mr. Bismarck Rewane. The event was further elevated by the presence of the outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, who delivered a keynote address, highlighting the laudable reform efforts that were ongoing in the Civil Service. Also present was her incoming successor, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack mmi, signaling succession planning and policy continuity, as well as Permanent Secretaries and Directors from across the Service, whose presence underscored their interest in pushing the Service forward.

The workshop also witnessed the attendance of key government Ministers including Senator Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Mr Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy and Mrs Hannatu Musa-Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy.

Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, emphasised the significance of continuity in the reform process, stating that "The greatest bane of reforms is discontinuity of the key actors. Any break in continuity means virtually the end of reform." He also outlined the essential personnel required to ensure successful reform – the initiator, driver, owner, executor, and sustainer – and stressed the pivotal role of competence, collaboration between Ministers and other political leaders and the Public Service technocrats (Permanent Secretaries), adequate remuneration, and effective communication, in delivering effective public service.

The workshop fostered a shared understanding of the systemic challenges bedeviling Nigeria's public sector. Participants unanimously identified a confluence of issues, including the lack of a consensus on the national goal of development, the poor quality of our politics, and weak consequence management, as the primary obstacles to progress. 

To surmount these hurdles, participants concurred on the necessity of a multi-pronged strategy encompassing the strengthening of accountability mechanisms through the use of technology, robust investments in human capital development, enhanced citizen participation to build public trust, and improved collaboration.  Recognising that sustainable change requires time and perseverance, the workshop underscored the importance of sustained commitment and a long-term perspective.

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is committed to translating these insights into tangible actions. A comprehensive report capturing the workshop's proceedings, research findings, and recommendations would be made available on the Foundation’s website in the coming weeks.

“This workshop marks a pivotal moment as we begin Nigeria’s public sector reform journey. By working together, we can create a public sector that truly serves the needs and the aspirations of the Nigerian citizens, because those are who we truly serve.” declared Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.

The Foundation extends its gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners for their invaluable contributions.