Nigeria’s public sector has long been a subject of debate, with issues of inefficiency, corruption, and lack of accountability undermining the country’s development. As the government continues to push for economic reforms and growth, a pressing question remains: how can the public sector be transformed to better serve the needs of the people
In a recent discussion, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Ernest Ndukwe, along with other seasoned governance experts, emphasized the critical need for transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s public sector. Their insights are both timely and vital for the nation’s progress, offering a blueprint for reform and the kind of leadership required to drive change.
At the heart of good governance lies transparency the clear, open, and honest communication of government actions, decisions, and the use of public funds. Ernest Ndukwe, who has extensive experience in leadership within Nigeria's telecom sector, pointed out that without transparency, there is no accountability. This lack of accountability, according to Ndukwe, creates an environment ripe for corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency.
When government activities and finances are not made transparent, it erodes public trust and hinders national development. Citizens must be able to track how their taxes are being spent, the progress of public projects, and the outcomes of governmental policies. Transparency, therefore, is not just about exposing what goes on behind closed doors but ensuring that there are proper channels for public oversight.
In practical terms, this could involve the implementation of systems that allow for real time tracking of government expenditure, publishing detailed reports on government activities, and fostering public participation in decision-making processes. This openness builds trust, attracts investment, and strengthens the social contract between the government and its people.
While transparency is essential for creating trust, efficiency ensures that government resources are used wisely to achieve meaningful results. Governance experts, including Ndukwe, have stressed that for the public sector to function effectively, it must embrace innovation, streamline processes, and focus on delivering services that directly improve the lives of Nigerians.
Nigeria’s public institutions are often weighed down by bureaucratic inefficiencies, outdated systems, and a lack of skilled personnel. To address this, experts call for a massive overhaul of public sector structures, ensuring that they are not only effective in policy making but also in implementation. This requires investment in digital infrastructure, better training for public servants, and the use of modern management tools to optimize service delivery.
For example, digitizing processes such as tax collection, business registration, and social welfare services can significantly reduce corruption, cut costs, and increase accessibility. Public institutions should be equipped to meet the needs of the people in a timely and effective manner, ensuring that citizens get the services they pay for.
While policy changes and reforms are necessary, the key to transforming Nigeria’s public sector lies in strong, visionary leadership. Ndukwe emphasized that leadership is the driving force behind any successful transformation. It is the leaders who must set the tone for transparency and efficiency, both in words and actions.
Leaders in the public sector must be held to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. They must lead by example, creating a culture of responsibility that encourages transparency and ensures that all government operations are carried out with the public's best interests at heart.
Moreover, public sector leaders must be willing to embrace change, challenge the status quo, and advocate for reforms that promote greater efficiency. Effective leadership also involves listening to the voices of citizens and stakeholders, integrating feedback, and ensuring that policies are responsive to the evolving needs of the population.
The need for transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s public sector has never been more urgent. As Ernest Ndukwe and other governance experts have pointed out, achieving these goals will require collective action from government officials to the private sector and civil society.
Reforms in governance are not just about passing new laws or policies, but about creating a culture of openness, accountability, and service delivery that is responsive to the needs of the people. Only with committed leadership, public participation, and the adoption of modern governance practices can Nigeria’s public sector be transformed into an effective and efficient engine for national development.
It’s time for Nigeria to rise to the challenge and build a public sector that works for all.