The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has described the Nigeria Public Service is the engine room of governance, noting that no government can fully realise its vision for sustainable development without a competent and effective public service.
Governor Fubara made the statement on Thursday July 23, 2026 during the 48th Conference of the National Council on Establishment (NCE), held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He said the Nigeria Public Service is an institution through which policies are translated into tangible programmes, development priorities are implemented, and essential public service are delivered to the people.
“As custodians of public service administration entrusted with responsibilities relating to establishment matters, human resource management, job evaluation, career progression, and condition of service, your decisions have far reaching implications for national development, institutional effectiveness and the quality of governance across our federation”.
Fubara further stated that the strength of any government is ultimately reflected in the quality of its public. He emphasised that a professional, disciplined, motivative, and performance driven civil servant remains the foundation upon which sustainable economic growth, institutional stability and public confidence are built.
Governor Fubara further informed that the demands of the 21st century require public servants to continuously rethink and reposition the public institutions. He noted that rapid technological advancements, changing workforce dynamics, increasing citizens expectations, and emerging global realities call for a public service that is agile, digitally enabled, accountable and driven by excellence.
“This underscores the urgent need for a sustained reform, strategic capacity developments, digital transformation and policies that reward competence, innovations, integrity, and exceptional performance. Our institutions must not merely adapt to change, you must anticipate and lead it”, Fubara added.
He however charged the public servants to approach their assignments with vision, courage, and a strong commitment to national progress, and that their decisions should produce practical, forward looking and implementable recommendations that will strengthen institutional capacity, promote transparency, deepen professionalism, and improve productivity throughout the Nigerian public service.
Meanwhile the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara for graciously hosting the conference, the hospitality extended to members of the NCE council, and for prioritising the welfare of Rivers civil servants, the approval of the employment of teachers and health workers, and the renovation of the state secretariat as well as the provision of befitting accommodation for permanent secretaries, which according to her, reflects Fubara’s commitment to strengthen governance and public service administration.
She noted that the numerous interventions has improved working conditions, strengthened workforce, and reinforced the civil service as a vital instrument for effective governance and service delivery.
Describing the NCE as an apex policymaking body of public service structures, schemes of service, and conditions of service in Nigeria, Didi Walson-Jack said the council provides a vital platform for examining establishment matters, building consensus and promoting uniformity, standardisation and professionalism across the public services in the federation. According to here;
“The decisions reached here extends far beyond this meeting hall, they influence the structure and effectiveness of our institutions, the career development of public servants, and ultimately, the quality of services delivered to Nigerians.
Didi Walson-Jack therefore charged the delegates to approach every memorandum and recommendations with objectivity and a strong sense of national responsibility. She further described the civil service as the backbone of government, the custodian of institutional memory and the machinery through which government policies are translated into tangible outcome.
“Political administration may change, and national priorities may evolve, but the civil service provides stability, continuity, and professional competence required to sustain the business of government
Meeting these expectations requires stronger collaboration among the Federal, States, and the FCT civil services. Although they operate within different jurisdictions, they serve the same citizens and pursue the same national development aspirations, our systems must therefore be sufficiently aligned to promote consistency, mobility, knowledge exchange, and common professional standards”
She stated that the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the federation remains committed to deepening its collaboration with States heads of service and the FCT Administration and to strengthen existing platforms for consultations and peer learning.
Similarly, the Head of Service, Rivers State Civil Service, Inyingi Brown appreciated the Governor Fubara for what she described as his visionary leadership, unwavering confidence in civil service and his support towards hosting the 48th Conference of the National Council on Establishments.
“Through your deliberate investment in workers, our Governor without any negotiations, announced the payment of 85,000 naira minimum wage and has been sustaining it since 2024.
You have continued to redefine public service administration in Rivers State. One achievement that will undoubtedly remain a lasting legacy is the comprehensive ongoing renovation and transformation of the Rivers State secretariat complex”.
Inyingi Brown also appreciated the Head of Civil Service of the federation, Didi Walson-Jack, stating that her leadership continues to provide direction for public service reforms across the nation.
“I am grateful for your commitment to strengthening institutional excellence, not just at the federal civil service but throughout the federation”
She further appreciated all the heads of service from the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, members of the National Assembly, Permanent secretaries, Directors of establishments, assuring then if a guaranteed security and convenience throughout the conference.