In a move aimed at advancing public sector efficiency and strengthening bilateral relations, Nigeria and The Gambia have commenced collaborative efforts to build institutional partnerships that will enhance public service delivery in both nations.
The renewed cooperation was formalized during a high-level visit by senior Gambian officials to the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in Abuja, where both sides exchanged ideas on governance reforms, administrative best practices, and digital transformation initiatives.
Welcoming the delegation, Director-General of the BPSR, Dasuki Arabi, noted that Nigeria’s experience in streamlining government operations through policy reforms and technology-driven service delivery can serve as a valuable model for other African nations, including The Gambia.
“We are delighted to share our successes and lessons. Our collaboration with The Gambia is not only a diplomatic gesture but a commitment to strengthening good governance and responsive institutions across the continent,” Arabi said.
The Gambian team, led by top officials from the country’s public service sector, commended Nigeria for its strides in reforming civil service structures, particularly in the areas of performance management, open government data systems, and citizen feedback mechanisms. They expressed optimism that adapting similar frameworks would enhance the effectiveness and transparency of their own public institutions.
The engagement forms part of a broader effort between the two countries to deepen cooperation in other sectors including tourism, maritime security, and trade. Just recently, Nigerian and Gambian authorities pledged to collaborate in the promotion of regional tourism and port security, reflecting a growing diplomatic synergy.
Observers say the Nigeria-Gambia partnership sets a precedent for regional development through shared innovation and peer learning in governance. The ongoing reforms are expected to foster improved service delivery, build public trust, and create a more citizen-centered approach to public administration in both countries.
As discussions continue, both governments have committed to establishing a technical working group to monitor progress and ensure the successful implementation of agreed reforms, signaling a long-term vision for a more robust and accountable public service architecture in West Africa.
