Receiving a delegation of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in his office, the Hon. Chairman, Prof. Olaopa disclosed that he was a strong advocate of industrial harmony between the Union and employer of labour. He equally stated that public service was in a brink of collapse and deep crisis which needs urgent reforms to salvage what is left.
According to him, Mr. President charged the reconstituted Federal Civil Service Commission Board to transform and re-orientate the digitization of the Federal Civil Service. He emphasized that the reform being contemplated in the Commission, will need the Union to be carried along because they are essential stakeholder.
He informed NECA-Team that upon assuming office, a rapid assessment on the Commission was conducted to quickly ascertain what needs to be done immediately.
He added that as the gate way into the Civil Service, the Commission’s gate keeping responsibility of meritocracy, internal mechanisms, merit-based system which was inherited from the colonial masters has been eroded.
He lamented that key employers of labour are exiting the country which calls for concern; adding that the Ministry of labour has the capacity to change the fortune of this Country.
While appreciating the DG-NECA and his team for the visit, he commended them for their usual contributions to public service as well as the nation. He assured NECA of his partnership especially in Staff exchange program in order to cross breed ideas to reposition the Federal Civil Service Commission being the gate way into the Federal Public Service.
He revealed that he was negotiating for a new wage for the Commission’s Staff and stop the deployment of Permanent Secretaries to the FCSC, in order to entrench discipline and professionalism.
The Chairman expressed dissatisfaction on the methodology of vocational trainings in Nigeria that produces only theoretical knowledge without practical skills which makes it impossible for individuals to contribute meaningfully to economic development of the country.
He informed that the organization was involved in capacity building using both local and international partners. He told the Chairman that NECA will support him in the repositioning of the Public Service reforms.
The DG pointed out that NECA as an umbrella organization of employers in organized private sector in Nigeria, is a forum available for government to consult with the private sector employers on Socio Economic and labour policy issues to achieve industrial peace and development.
He used the visit to formally invite the Chairman to the Organization’s 2024 Conference which holds on Tuesday 13th February, 2024 at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja; where Olaopa is expected to deliver a key-note-address, share experiential views as a Public Servant and participate in the unveiling of a 60 page book by the President.
Signed:
Taiwo Hassan
Head (Press & Public Relations).
