President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the restructuring of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to enable it fast track the development of the country.
Jonathan made this known in Abuja on Friday at a formal send-off ceremony for two past Heads of Service of the Federation, Mr Stephen Oronsaye and Prof. Oladapo Afolabi.
The president was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo.
He said his administration was committed to the transformation of the service into an enviable and modern institution capable of supporting the political leadership in its effort to fast track the development of Nigeria.
“It is in line with this thinking that I have recently approved the restructuring of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to enable it drive the transformation of the service.
“It is envisaged that at the end of the restructuring, the present five office structure would be reduced to three.
“It will lead to slimmer, more efficient and fit-for-purpose organisation devoid of overlaps, duplications and fragmentation, more responsive and better able to provide quality management, direction and guidance to the Federal Civil Service,” he added.
He, therefore, urged the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to ensure that the implementation of the restructuring of his office was carried out to the letter.
Jonathan said that “this is to enable our quest for a responsible civil service and one that takes cognisance of the need to deliver is achieved.
The president said that government on its part would continue to provide whatever was needed to ensure the continuous development of the civil service.
He maintained that this had become imperative in view of the fact that meaningful growth and development of the nation had a direct relation with the quality of the civil service.
Jonathan noted with delight that the celebrities had made tremendous contributions to the development of the service.
He said the two officers during their stewardship as Head of Service had demonstrated courage and commitment in implementing various reforms aimed at renewing and reinvigorating the service.
“I am very happy to note that the current leadership of the service has not only recognised these contributions but has made it a duty to celebrate it.”
He, therefore, congratulated Oronsaye and Oladapo for being honoured by their constituency for their selfless service to the nation.
According to him, retirement is a time for reflecting on the past and looking onward to the future.
“It is a time to move on to bigger and newer challenges in life and it is a very unique and exceptional time to freely assess one’s experiences and look forward to further useful service to the fatherland.
He urged them to constantly reconnect with the service to share their experiences and guide succeeding leadership on the best human and material management practices.
Responding on behalf of the celebrities, Oronsaye thanked Jonathan, Sambo, the Head of Service of the Federation as well as civil servants across the country for the recognition accorded them.
He, however, challenged the civil servants to strive hard in transforming the civil service for greater efficiency and effective service delivery.
He pledged that they would continue to support and advice the government on how best to move the nation forward for the general good of the society.
The event which was attended by serving and retired government functionaries, witnessed the display of various cultural dances.
