Oborevwori Charges Civil Service Commissions on Digital Transformation, Institutional Re-engineering for Future-Ready Public Service
By Spotnews Communications
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on Civil Service Commissions across Nigeria to embrace institutional re-engineering, digital transformation and positive workplace culture to build an efficient, accountable and future-ready public service capable of meeting the demands of modern governance.
The governor made the call on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the 45th Annual National Council Meeting of the Civil Service Commissions of the Federation, held at The Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State.
Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., said the transformation of the public service had become imperative in view of emerging technological developments, particularly artificial intelligence, which is rapidly changing administrative processes and the delivery of public services across the world.
He described the civil service as the backbone of government, noting that its effectiveness depended on strong institutions, competent personnel, professionalism, integrity and accountability.
According to him, the theme of the conference, "Towards a Future-Ready Civil Service: The Role of Institutional Re-Engineering, Reputation Management and Culture Change in the Civil Service Commissions in Nigeria," was timely and relevant to the evolving demands of public administration.
The governor stressed that government institutions must modernise their operational systems, develop relevant skills and adopt innovative approaches that would make public administration more efficient, transparent and responsive to citizens' needs.
He identified institutional strengthening, merit-based recruitment and promotion, reputation management and a productive workplace culture as essential pillars for repositioning the civil service.
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration's commitment to building a competent and motivated workforce through the MORE Agenda, which prioritises capacity development, digital transformation, staff welfare, improved working conditions and professional advancement.
He maintained that no government could successfully achieve its development objectives without a disciplined, skilled and motivated public service.
The governor urged delegates to use the national meeting to exchange experiences, address common administrative challenges and develop practical recommendations that would strengthen Civil Service Commissions across the federation.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, commended Governor Oborevwori for approving Delta State as host of the national gathering and providing the necessary support for its successful organisation.
Olaopa also praised the governor's infrastructure development initiatives under the MORE Agenda, describing the projects as significant contributions towards modernising the state's urban landscape and strengthening its economic vitality.
He equally acknowledged the contributions of the Chairman of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, Noble Lady (Chief) Roseline Eno Amioku, JP, and the conference planning committee for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event.
Reflecting on previous national conferences held in Katsina and Umuahia, the FCSC chairman noted that the resolutions reached at those meetings had provided a foundation for the ongoing institutional repositioning of Civil Service Commissions in Nigeria.
He explained that the Katsina conference focused on institutional re-engineering and strengthening the commissions as professional partners in governance, while the Umuahia meeting examined the Federal Civil Service Commission's Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2026–2030.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, Noble Lady (Chief) Roseline Eno Amioku, welcomed delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to the six-day national council meeting, scheduled to run from November 1 to November 6, 2026.
Amioku expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for approving Delta State to host the conference and providing the financial support required for its successful organisation.
She described the council meeting as an important platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and policy discussions among administrative leaders and public service policy makers.
She identified capacity gaps, bureaucratic bottlenecks, negative public perception and resistance to change as some of the major challenges confronting the Nigerian civil service, stressing that Civil Service Commissions must take the lead in addressing them through institutional reforms and improved administrative practices.
The Delta State commission chairman disclosed that the state had introduced several reform initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and accountability in the public service.
These include the digitalisation of commission operations, staff capacity development, transparent promotion examinations, intensive staff monitoring, physical staff verification and certificate screening.
She explained that the initiatives were designed to strengthen administrative processes, promote fairness and ensure that the commission played a strategic role in improving workforce productivity.
Amioku further called for the elimination of unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, strict adherence to merit-based recruitment and promotion, and the adoption of a service-oriented culture driven by innovation, discipline and digital technology.
She expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce practical recommendations and renewed commitment towards building a professional, efficient and accountable civil service capable of supporting national development.
The 45th Annual National Council Meeting brings together chairmen and representatives of Civil Service Commissions from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside other stakeholders, to deliberate on institutional reforms, reputation management and cultural transformation as pathways to a future-ready Nigerian civil service.
