The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) have held a joint meeting to plan a forthcoming capacity-building workshop for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of government parastatals, agencies, and commissions.
The proposed workshop will focus on strengthening the leadership and communication capacity of CEOs, who play a crucial role in shaping institutional performance, reputation management, and citizen trust in government.
As part of the collaboration, NIPR has developed a National Communication Assessment and Benchmarking Tool, which will be deployed across communication departments in ministries, parastatals, and agencies of government. The tool will enable MDAs to self-assess, identify gaps, and adopt best practices in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, crisis response, and feedback management.
In addition, NIPR requested that STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS BE FORMALLY INCLUDED AS THE FIFTH PILLAR OF THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC SERVICE REFORMS, underscoring the critical role of effective communication in driving reform outcomes, building citizen trust, and strengthening institutional credibility.
REMARKS BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, BPSR, MR. DASUKI ARABI
“Distinguished CEOs, Heads of Agencies, partners from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to share with you the progress we are making as we plan this important capacity-building workshop. As you know, the role of CEOs in government parastatals is pivotal. Each of you serves not only as the chief executive of your organization but also as its foremost reputation builder, perception manager, and driver of institutional performance. The effectiveness of our public service is directly tied to the capacity and quality of leadership at the top, and that is where you come in.
This upcoming workshop matters because reform efforts in the public sector can only thrive when leadership is strategic, informed, and forward-looking. The expectations of citizens are higher than ever, and governance challenges are increasingly complex. It is therefore imperative that our leaders continuously upgrade their knowledge, skills, and leadership competencies to respond effectively.
Through this engagement, CEOs will be exposed to world-class leadership tools, peer-learning opportunities, and practical models that can help transform their institutions. They will gain deeper insights into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, ethical standards, and transparency mechanisms that strengthen accountability and institutional credibility.
Let me emphasize: the public service is the engine room of national development. The ability of our institutions to deliver efficient services to citizens is what defines the credibility of government itself. By aligning with the objectives of this administration, we are making sure that every CEO becomes not just an administrator but a true champion of reform, innovation, and citizen-centered governance.
On behalf of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, I thank our partners at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations for joining us in this planning process, and I look forward to a successful workshop that will mark another milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s public service.”
SIGNED:
ALIYU UMAR HEAD,
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
BUREAU OF PUBLIC SERVICE REFORMS (BPSR), ABUJA.
