By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
A Don at Gombe State University (GSU), Prof. Matthew F. Bello, has called for a fundamental repositioning of Nigeria’s public service to improve policy implementation and ensure effective delivery of services to citizens.
Bello, Head of the Department of Public Administration, GSU, made the call at the Second International Conference organised by the department, with the theme, “Democracy, Public Service and Service Delivery in Nigeria: Setting the Agenda for the 2027 General Elections.”
He said the public service remained the engine through which government policies and programmes were translated into tangible benefits for the people, stressing the need for a professional, responsive and accountable bureaucracy.
According to him, civil servants and bureaucrats would continue to play a crucial role in the next administration, irrespective of the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
He said the conference was designed to bring together academics, politicians, public servants and other stakeholders to critically examine the challenges confronting the public service and develop practical solutions for improved governance.
“The civil servants and bureaucrats will continue to play a prominent role in the next administration. That is the reason why we organised this conference to brainstorm on how we can reposition the public service to fulfil its role of implementing policies and rendering services that will touch the lives of citizens,” Bello said.
The don said the participation of stakeholders from different backgrounds and parts of the country reflected the growing concern over the quality of governance and public service delivery in Nigeria.
He stressed that political transitions should not disrupt the continuity of sound public policies, urging governments to strengthen institutions and promote evidence-based approaches to governance.
Bello also said universities had an important role to play in shaping public policy by providing research-based ideas and creating platforms where policymakers and practitioners could engage with academics on critical national issues.
He expressed optimism that deliberations at the conference would produce recommendations capable of contributing to better governance, democratic consolidation and improved service delivery ahead of the 2027 elections and beyond.
The conference featured presentations and discussions on democracy, public administration, governance and the challenges of delivering effective public services in Nigeria.
