The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Professor Tunji Olaopa, has emphasized that for reforms to yield meaningful and lasting impact, they must be approached in a structured and methodical manner. He made this assertion while addressing a high-powered delegation from The Gambia, who were on a study visit to Nigeria as part of their efforts to strengthen public service delivery back home.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Prof. Olaopa noted that institutional reform, especially within the civil service, requires a deliberate, phased, and evidence-based strategy to succeed. According to him, reforms driven by ad-hoc decisions or political expediency often falter, while those built on a clear roadmap, strong policy frameworks, and stakeholder engagement tend to produce transformative results.
“Reform is more impactful when approached systematically. It is not just about changing structures but about rethinking the philosophy of service, investing in people, building capacity, and aligning public institutions with national development goals,” he told the visiting team.
The Gambian delegation, which included senior officials from their country’s civil service and administrative agencies, had expressed keen interest in Nigeria’s public service reform trajectory, particularly the innovations adopted to enhance efficiency, transparency, and performance management.
Professor Olaopa, a seasoned scholar and reform advocate, assured the visitors of the Commission’s willingness to offer technical support and share Nigeria’s experiences — both the challenges and the milestones. He reiterated that peer learning and inter-African cooperation are critical in the journey toward a more responsive and citizen-centered public service on the continent.
While commending The Gambia for its reform initiatives, the FCSC chairman encouraged them to adopt adaptable models, taking into account the unique socio-political realities of their own system. He stressed that no one-size-fits-all model exists, but shared experiences can provide valuable insights.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of mutual commitment to continued collaboration between both nations, particularly in the area of public administration, as Africa seeks to reposition its institutions for 21st-century governance.