Lagos State unveils groundbreaking civil service reform
The Lagos State Government has launched a transformative civil service reform initiative aimed at radically improving the training and development of civil servants and fostering a new work culture. This ambitious program aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to equip the nation’s workforce with the skills necessary to drive the future economy.
Comprehensive Training and Development
At the core of this reform is a government-wide, holistic approach to civil servant training and career development. This includes a regular capacity-building plan for all departments to ensure efficient service delivery, the establishment of benchmarks to encourage and monitor civil servants’ progress, and a strong emphasis on technology-based learning.
Toyin Anjous-Ademuyiwa, the Director-General of the Office of Transformation, Creativity, and Innovation (OTCI), articulated the government’s goal to continuously build capacity, update the talent pool, and provide equal opportunities for the personal and professional growth of officials at all levels. She highlighted the importance of adhering to job descriptions and target setting to ensure effective and efficient performance within government organizations.
Job Description and Target Setting
During a two-day program on Job Description and Target Setting held in Alausa, Anjous-Ademuyiwa stressed that a well-defined job description serves as the foundation for defining roles, responsibilities, and expectations for employees in the public sector. This clarity helps employees understand their roles and align their efforts with organizational goals and objectives.
“In public service, where accountability and transparency are of utmost importance, job descriptions are even more critical. They help prevent role ambiguity and ensure that employees understand their specific duties and responsibilities,” she emphasized.
Anjous-Ademuyiwa also underlined the importance of setting “SMART” targets—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These targets provide clear direction, allow for objective evaluation, and ensure that goals are within reach, motivating employees to strive for excellence. Relevant targets are aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities, while time-bound targets create a sense of urgency.
Promoting Accountability and Continuous Improvement
The reform program aims to instill a sense of purpose and direction among employees through clear job descriptions and to enable organizations to measure their performance and deliver quality public service through effective target setting. “It is through these practices that government agencies can effectively serve the public, promote accountability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement,” Anjous-Ademuyiwa concluded.
The program featured esteemed facilitators from the State Public Service, including Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment and Training; Mrs. Titilayo Seriki, Deputy Director, Admin and Human Resource, Health District IV; and Mr. Samuel Okedara, Head of Reforms Department, OTCI. These facilitators covered various topics on job descriptions, key performance indicators (KPIs), SPADEV sensitization, and knowledge on job responsibilities and target setting.
Supporting Federal Government’s Vision
This reform is part of Lagos State’s broader strategy to support the Federal Government’s vision of exposing the nation’s workforce to the skills needed to drive the future economy. The initiative underscores the importance of a skilled and capable civil service in achieving sustainable economic growth and development.
The Lagos State Government’s commitment to enhancing civil service capacity through comprehensive training, clear job descriptions, and SMART target setting represents a significant step towards a more efficient and effective public service. This reform program is expected to yield long-term benefits, not only for the civil servants involved but also for the citizens they serve, by ensuring that public service delivery meets the highest standards of excellence and accountability.
