June 23 marks the United Nations Public Service Day, a global recognition of the value and virtue of public service in the development of societies. It is a day set aside to celebrate the critical role that public service plays in building effective, inclusive, and accountable institutions that respond to the needs of the people. For Nigeria, the commemoration is not only an opportunity for celebration but also a moment of deep reflection on the state of its public service and the urgent need for transformative reforms.
Over the decades, Nigeria’s public service has been both the engine of governance and, regrettably, a victim of systemic inefficiencies. From federal ministries to local government secretariats, the sector has struggled under the weight of bureaucratic inertia, politicisation, poor remuneration, and a declining culture of meritocracy. These issues have cumulatively undermined public trust and limited the state’s capacity to deliver essential services, including healthcare, education, security, infrastructure, and social protection, particularly to the most vulnerable segments of society.
Yet, public servants remain the unsung heroes who, in many cases, continue to operate under difficult circumstances. Doctors in underfunded hospitals, teachers in rural communities, immigration officers at overstretched border posts, and environmental workers in flood-prone cities, they all embody the spirit of dedication that this day seeks to honour. Their commitment underscores the fact that a well-functioning public service is the lifeblood of democracy and development.
In recent years, there have been attempts to revamp Nigeria’s public institutions. The launch of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), civil service digitalisation initiatives, and reforms in public procurement are commendable efforts aimed at reducing corruption, eliminating ghost workers, and enhancing transparency. However, these interventions must go beyond tokenism. What Nigeria needs is a holistic, performance-based public service reform rooted in professionalism, technology, and citizen-centered governance.
One critical challenge is the brain drain in the public sector, particularly in fields like healthcare and education. Nigeria continues to lose some of its best-trained public professionals to more attractive job markets abroad. This attrition not only affects service delivery but also weakens institutional memory and continuity. Government must address this by ensuring competitive remuneration, capacity building, and a conducive working environment.
Moreover, local government administration, which is supposed to be the closest tier of government to the people, has been rendered largely impotent due to over-centralisation and political interference. True public service reform must include a reinvigoration of local governments, ensuring that they are financially autonomous and professionally staffed to deliver basic services effectively.
On this United Nations Public Service Day, Nigeria must renew its commitment to building a resilient and responsive public sector. This involves investing in training and development, upholding ethical standards, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and leveraging technology to make public services more accessible and efficient.
Public service should no longer be seen as a refuge for political loyalists or an avenue for patronage. Instead, it must evolve into a results-driven enterprise that attracts the best minds and delivers measurable impact. As the world shifts toward more agile and transparent governance models, Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind.
The future of Nigeria depends not just on who leads, but on how well the machinery of state functions. By truly valuing and reforming public service, Nigeria can unlock its vast potential and move closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Let this year’s Public Service Day not just be symbolic. Let it mark a turning point in Nigeria’s journey toward a more just, efficient, and people-centered governance system.
