The Federal Government has been urged to prioritize the timely release of funds for road infrastructure projects to sustain national economic growth, enhance regional connectivity, and accelerate national development. The call was made by the retiring Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation at the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, during a valedictory ceremony held in his honor at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. He emphasized that the road sector is a critical driver of a nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), noting that an efficient transport network is fundamental to keeping the broader economy functional and thriving.

Ogbuagu’s remarks come on the heels of data from the Open Treasury Portal indicating that the government released approximately ₦2.68 trillion—amounting to barely 5 percent—for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of roads and bridges between 2023 and April 2026. While the government made budget provisions totaling ₦54.93 trillion for road-related infrastructure within that timeframe, a stark disparity remains between approved allocations and actual funding releases, stalling various ongoing capital projects across the country. The retiring director praised the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for introducing modern construction technologies to tackle these durability issues, specifically highlighting the successful deployment of concrete pavement technology on federal highways.

Stepping down after completing his mandatory years of public service, Ogbuagu also commended the ongoing digitalization reforms under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan, which are steadily transitioning ministries away from inefficient paper-based processes. He advised serving public officers to uphold strict discipline, accountability, and professional ethics to navigate their careers without legal or disciplinary challenges. The Minister of State for Works, Barrister Mohammed Goronyo, lauded Ogbuagu as an exceptional public servant whose professional competence and humility would be deeply missed within the ministry.

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration has officially commenced a comprehensive promotion exercise for over 13,000 workers following authorization from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The extensive career advancement program is scheduled to span 10 days, encompassing personnel from both the core administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority across approximately 150 professional cadres and grade levels.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, noted that this initiative is geared toward enhancing public service efficiency. He added that the development aligns closely with the federal administration’s broader national development goals. This particular FCT civil servant promotion exercise, which officially represents the 2025 promotion cycle, begins on July 1, 2026, under a framework designed to ensure total transparency.

Furthermore, the Minister has issued a directive ensuring that the subsequent 2026 evaluation cycle takes place before the end of the current year. This proactive approach aims to eliminate career stagnation and guarantee that all qualifying personnel transition smoothly to their next professional tiers without delay. The commission is actively collaborating with secondary agencies to resolve administrative bottlenecks that disrupted similar exercises in the past.

To maintain transparency, the evaluations will utilize a Computer-Based Test format, a technology the commission pioneered nationwide for civil service promotion workflows back in late 2024. Eligible participants are urged to cooperate orderly with coordinating officials throughout the designated examination timeline.

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The Cross River State Government has launched a series of projects and policy reforms aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening public service delivery.

Represented by Deputy Governor Peter Okey, Governor Otu performed the groundbreaking for 1,000 housing units under the People First Housing Scheme at Ikot Efiokon Etim in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The project is designed to address housing challenges faced by civil servants and improve their living conditions.

At the New Secretariat Complex in Calabar, the administration also flagged off the construction of a Civil Service Staff Club and Event Centre, expected to serve as a hub for recreation, networking, and engagement among public servants.

In a parallel development, the government unveiled the Cross River State Civil Service Manual and an official Civil Service Song at the State Library Complex. Officials say the manual will guide operations and discipline within the service, while the song is intended to strengthen unity and institutional identity.

Speaking during the events, Governor Otu reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare and enhancing professionalism in governance. He noted that the combined focus on infrastructure and policy reform reflects a broader strategy to reposition the public service for improved performance.

He also urged civil servants to align with ongoing reforms by upgrading their skills and adapting to evolving service demands.

The programme featured a symposium on public sector transformation, with contributions from stakeholders including Winifred Oyo Ita, who emphasised innovation, integrity, and capacity development as pillars of a modern civil service. A book review session was delivered by Justice Ofem I. Ofem.

Head of Service, Orok Bassey Okon, described the initiatives as strategic steps toward building a more efficient and motivated workforce, expressing confidence in their long-term impact.

The day’s activities also included the Cross River Youth Unity and Assessment Programme, themed “Building Tomorrow Today: Youth Unity, Accountability and Representation,” where the governor encouraged young people to actively participate in governance.

Other top officials in attendance included Secretary to the State Government, Anthony Owan Enoh, alongside permanent secretaries, directors, and civil servants.

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Stakeholders across Nigeria’s public and private sectors have renewed calls for stronger collaboration to accelerate sustainable development and economic growth.

The call was made during a fireside chat and breakfast session with the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, themed “Advancing Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Governance.”

The event, organised by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation in collaboration with Philips Consulting Limited, brought together senior government officials and private sector leaders to explore ways of strengthening governance and boosting national productivity.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of Philips Consulting, Foluso Phillips, described the gathering as a critical meeting point for aligning public service goals with private sector expectations.

“No country grows sustainably without a strong public service, and no economy thrives without a vibrant private sector. Alignment between both is essential,” he said.

Phillips noted that the platform enabled both sectors to share ideas, align priorities, and shape policies that can drive transformational impact on Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Walson-Jack said ongoing reforms are repositioning the Federal Civil Service to become more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly.

She highlighted improvements in regulatory processes, service delivery speed, and digital transformation, noting that these changes are designed to support businesses and improve citizens’ quality of life.

“In today’s Civil Service, we are seeing predictable regulations, faster processes, and improved efficiency. These reforms will impact infrastructure, healthcare, digital inclusion, and justice delivery,” she said.

The Head of Service also revealed that the government is leveraging emerging technologies, including a Service-Wide GPT platform, to enhance access to key policy documents and improve decision-making across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

She added that initiatives such as performance management systems, personnel audits, and skills gap analysis are being implemented to build a world-class Civil Service capable of driving national development.

Addressing concerns from private sector leaders, Walson-Jack assured that staff welfare and working conditions, including housing and transportation, are under review to attract and retain talent.

She further disclosed that the upcoming International Civil Service Conference, scheduled for May 20–21, 2026, will provide another platform to deepen public-private collaboration.

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