Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for sustained investment in public service reforms, strategic capacity development and digital transformation to strengthen governance and improve service delivery across Nigeria.

The governor said governments at all levels must continually rethink and reposition public institutions to meet the demands of the 21st century.

He noted that rapid technological advancement, changing workforce dynamics, rising citizens’ expectations and evolving global realities require a public service that is agile, digitally driven, accountable and committed to excellence.

Fubara made the call on Thursday while declaring open the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments (NCE) in Port Harcourt. The meeting was attended by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to him, public institutions must not only adapt to change but also anticipate and lead it through policies that reward competence, innovation, integrity and outstanding performance.

Describing the public service as the engine room of government, Fubara said it remains the vehicle through which government policies are translated into programmes, development priorities implemented and essential services delivered to citizens.

He stressed that no government could achieve sustainable development without a competent, motivated and efficient public service.

“As custodians of public service administration, entrusted with responsibilities relating to establishment matters, human resource management, job evaluation, career progression and conditions of service, your decisions have far-reaching implications for national development, institutional effectiveness and the quality of governance across our federation.

“Indeed, the strength of any government is ultimately reflected in the quality of its public service. A professional, disciplined, innovative and performance-driven civil service remains the foundation upon which sustainable economic growth, institutional stability and public confidence are built,” he said.

Fubara urged members of the council to approach their deliberations with vision, courage and commitment, expressing confidence that their resolutions would produce practical and implementable recommendations capable of strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency, deepening professionalism and improving productivity in the public service.

Highlighting reforms under his administration, the governor said Rivers State had continued to prioritise the welfare, productivity and professional development of public servants, insisting that no development agenda could succeed without a motivated and well-supported workforce.

He said the state had implemented a minimum wage above the nationally approved threshold, sustained prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities and Christmas bonuses, while also restoring regular promotions to reward competence and years of service.

Fubara added that work was at an advanced stage on the renovation and modernisation of the State Secretariat Complex to provide civil servants with a safe, technology-driven and conducive working environment.

“These initiatives demonstrate our unwavering conviction that when public servants are properly motivated, equipped and empowered, they become stronger partners in delivering efficient governance and improving the quality of life of our people,” he said.

The governor also commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, for what he described as her bold leadership and reforms aimed at repositioning the Federal Civil Service.

He said her commitment to professionalism, innovation, performance management and institutional excellence had continued to inspire confidence and set new standards for public administration in the country.

Fubara  in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi,expressed optimism that the outcome of the 48th meeting would shape the future of public service administration, strengthen institutional capacity, improve career management systems and contribute to more effective governance nationwide.