In a bid to promote efficient and effective service delivery as well as enhancing customer satisfaction in the public service, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has emphasised the importance of synergy among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the country.
The Director General BPSR, Mr Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi made the emphasis at the August edition of the Bureau's lunch-time seminar in Abuja, themed: "Customer as king: Roles of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in ensuring delivery and satisfaction of Nigerian Customers".
Arabi said that the need for synergy among government organisations stemmed from the understanding that challenges are effectively tackled together and innovation is born among like minds. He added that collaboration and partnership across MDAs had the potential to change the face of the public service for better service delivery.
“As the Bureau of Public Service Reforms we firmly believe in the power of collaboration and partnership among government agencies. Our commitment to interagency cooperation is rooted in the understanding that together we can tackle challenges more effectively and innovate for the greater good of our fellow citizens” He said.
He expressed that the theme for the August Edition struck at the core of the mission of public service as the customer is central in the quest for excellence in service delivery, saying that it was with this knowledge the BPSR called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to shed light on the pivotal role that it played in ensuring delivery and satisfaction to the Nigerian customer.
He enjoined participants at the seminar to actively engage, ask questions and brainstorm practical solutions that can be implemented across the different agencies of government.
Also speaking at the seminar, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, noted that while more work needs to be done with regards to enforcing laws and strengthening institutions that protect customers, workers in the Public Service especially regulating agencies ought to provide excellent service delivery in their various offices as drivers of government policies and regulations.
He lamented the state of compliant resolution and overall company responsiveness to customers in Nigeria and went on to encouraged customers to always make their complaints to the FCCPC as it is the government agency with the mandate to protect and promote the interest and welfare of consumers.
The seminar had in attendance participants from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Aliyu Umar Aliyu,
August 16th, 2023.

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, have pledged to work together in championing a corruption-free public service.

They believe that their shared commitment to transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures will undoubtedly pave the way for a more resilient, prosperous, and just Nigerian society.

The resolve of the two federal government agencies to partner was made recently when Mr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, the Director General of BPSR, visited Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NEITI.

While speaking at the NEITI House in Abuja, Arabi observed that their Bureau, as the lead reforms agency under the Presidency, shoulders the responsibility of catalyzing, coordinating, and monitoring reforms within the Nigerian Public Service.

"Our mandate is to usher in transformative changes that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government.

"This aligns closely with NEITI's objectives, which revolve around promoting transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil, gas, and mining revenues," he said.

The BPSR helmsman noted that NEITI, as the national chapter of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), has been a beacon of transparency, actively championing openness in the vital sectors of oil, gas, and mining.

He said: "Therefore, both BPSR and NEITI share a common thread as quasi-Anti-Corruption Agencies, diligently working to create an environment where graft finds no foothold. Our collaboration is symbiotic, as the reforms initiated by BPSR contribute to the overall transparency and effectiveness of agencies such as NEITI.

"Conversely, NEITI's endeavors support the broader reform ecosystem by demonstrating how transparency initiatives can lead to better governance outcomes".

He said that the extractive industries have historically been susceptible to corruption due to their economic significance.

According to him, NEITI's efforts in revealing and curbing these tendencies are commendable and resonate deeply with BPSR's vision of an accountable and corruption-resistant public service.

Arabi said: "This visit holds significant importance as it marks the collaboration and synergy between two pivotal entities, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and NEITI, both of which play vital roles in shaping our nation's governance and fostering transparency and accountability.

"The impact of our combined efforts on the Nigerian public service cannot be overstated. As we work together to create a culture of accountability and ethical conduct, we contribute to building public trust, attracting investments, and fostering economic growth.

"The success of NEITI in increasing revenue transparency sets a powerful example for other sectors to follow, and BPSR is committed to ensuring that such practices are ingrained across the spectrum of public service activities.

"In conclusion, I am optimistic that our partnership will serve as a cornerstone for driving positive change in our nation. Let us continue to forge ahead in our collaborative journey, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of governance in Nigeria".

While responding, Dr. Orji, appreciated Mr. Arabi and his BPSR delegation for the visit, assuring that NEITI will collaborate with the Bureau in order to engender accountability and transparency in the country's public service.

Signed:
Aliyu Umar Aliyu,
ACIO
August 24th, 2023.

Credo Advisory, a leading development communications firm specializing in strategic, operational, and tactical communications initiatives, has unveiled strategies for the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, to showcase the successes it has recorded in helping to drive critical reforms in the Nigerian public service.

Mr. Sanumi Dawodu, the firm's Communications Manager, who led a delegation to visit the BPSR corporate office at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, submitted that the Bureau has achieved tremendous feats in terms of launching reform-policies for various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, at the federal level.

He however, said: "There is lack of publicity for the successes you have recorded. Among other things, your presence in various social media platforms is also something you need to work on".

Dawodu, assured that by time a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, is signed between their firm and BPSR, the communication challenges facing the Bureau will be tackled.

In his response, Mr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, the Director General of BPSR, explained that though their Bureau has carried out extensive work in government, the successes recorded are not known by the public.

"Therefore, working with organisations such as Credo Advisory is necessary to ensure that information officers understand their roles and responsibilities in information dissemination to the public, and publicizing the activities of BPSR," he said.

Signed:
Aliyu Umar Aliyu,
ACIO.

July 20th, 2023.

The export of agricultural commodities such as cocoa, cashew, sesame seeds, palm oil, and other tropical products presents a tremendous opportunity to earn foreign exchange and strengthen our national currency, the naira.

This is according to the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, who spoke at the July edition of the Bureau's lunch-time seminar, in Abuja.

He said: "Additionally, we have seen a rise in demand for non-traditional agricultural products, including processed and value-added goods.

"Embracing technological advancements and promoting agro-processing industries will not only enhance the quality of our exports but also enable us to access higher-value markets worldwide".

Themed, "Reform Measures the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has put in place to Diversify the Economy: Challenges and Way Forward," the event had Dr. Ezra Yakusak, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria of the NEPC as guest speaker.

Arabi, while presenting his opening remarks, observed that by promoting the export of indigenous goods and services, Nigeria can tap into new markets, create employment opportunities for its citizens at home, and enhance the overall competitiveness of Nigerian products on the international stage.

He said: "Diversifying our economy and increasing export activities are crucial steps toward achieving sustainable development and
reducing our vulnerability to global economic fluctuations".

The BPSR Director General asserted that agriculture has historically been the backbone of Nigeria's economy, providing employment and sustenance to many citizens.

"By maximizing the potential of our arable land and investing in modern agricultural practices, we can significantly increase our agricultural exports and earn more foreign currency.

"Therefore, revitalizing and modernizing this sector cannot only bolster our food security but also capitalize on the increasing global demand for quality agricultural products," he said.

Signed:
Aliyu Umar Aliyu,
ACIO.

July 20th, 2023.

Mr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BSPR, said that Nigeria, as a coastal nation blessed with abundant maritime resources, is strategically positioned to harness the potential of the blue economy.

He disclosed this during the June edition of the Bureau’s Lunch-Time Seminar Series, themed: “Banking on Blue Economy for Nigeria’s Economic Development”.

Dr. Bashir Jamoh, Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, was the guest speaker of the reform seminar.

According to Arabi, the concept of the blue economy goes beyond traditional maritime activities; it encompasses a holistic approach that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity.

He said: “Our coastline stretches over thousands of kilometers, providing access to diverse marine ecosystems, fisheries, aquaculture, shipping routes, offshore oil and gas reserves, renewable energy sources, and untapped mineral resources. Leveraging these resources in a sustainable and inclusive manner is essential for the economic prosperity of our nation”.

In his lecture, Jamoh, said that by exploring innovative strategies and policies, Nigeria can maximize the economic benefits derived from its maritime resources, while preserving the delicate balance of her ecosystems and uplifting the lives of citizens.

He said: “The blue economy, encompassing the sustainable use of marine resources and the preservation of our marine environment, holds significant promise for unlocking vast opportunities that lie beneath our waves”.

Signed:
Aliyu Umar Aliyu,
Acting Head, Strategic Communications, BPSR.
15/6/23.

The federal government has conferred on the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello Koko with the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award.

The award was in recognition of Bello-Koko’s quest to reposition the NPA for improved trade facilitation, revenue generation and unprecedented remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

LEADERSHIP reports that an evaluation of the reforms initiated by the Mohammed Bello Koko- led management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) undertaken by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) had classified the NPA as a level 5 “Platinum Level” Organisation.

BPSR Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) deployed in the NPA for the independent assessment, validated assessment and in-depth analysis of processes and practices of the agency returned the verdict of “exceptional performance with a performance level of 91.25 percent.”

Written by Yusuf Babalola 

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) for the training of 500,000 public service workers on digital literacy and skills.

The Director-General, BPSR, Mr Dasuki Arabi inaugurated the team on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, in Abuja.

According to him, the training is to close the growing gap in digital literacy among public service workers.

He said digital literacy proficiency was vital to a 21st century public service regime, as such all federal workers should be conversant with digital service development, security and innovation.

Arabi said the 500, 000 civil servants drawn from 794 MDAs, would go through Learning, Practice Test and Certification in a maximum of four competency areas.

Arabi said the areas include ICT Digital Literacy, Communication Skills for Business, Entrepreneurship and Small Business and Career Specific certifications.

The D-G said members of the IMTT, drawn from the private and public sector, would work with the BPSR in driving the implementation process.

He said the team was expected to achieve the vision of a modern public service in Nigeria that is digitally literate and ready to rise to challenges of work, life and advancement in the decades to come.

He added that it was also to “improve the digital skills of public servants to help supercharge efforts to modernize governance.

“Align Nigerian Public Service workforce with the standard of 21st century public service regime.

“So that they are better able to sustain the underlying cultural change that needs to be sparked to create a government that can operate effectively in the digital era.”

Prof. Mohammed Ajiya, President, Digital Bridge Institute commended government plans to ensure effective service delivery.

“The launch of the IMTT is a clear demonstration of the BPSR’s foresight and proactive approach to addressing the digital skills gap that exists among public servants in Nigeria.

“The enhancement of the digital skills and competence level of public servants has become imperative, especially in today’s world where organizational processes are hugely dependent on ICT tools and platforms.

“Government operations and processes significantly impact all other sectors of the nation; therefore building the digital competence and capacity of public service officers would go a long way to simplify government operations.

“It would eliminate bottlenecks and deliver the needed value-added services to the public and private sector.’’

Also, Mr Umar Yakubu, Executive Director, Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch, said digital skills would enhance public service delivery.

“We are hopeful it would enhance the skills to empower the public servants and enhance more transparency in MDAs,’’ he added.

Aliyu Umar
ACIO (SC)
12th May, 2023.