Ukaire Urges Ministry Staff to Drive Public Service Reforms Through Innovation, Skills Development
Oru Leonard
ABUJA – The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire, has challenged civil servants to take the lead in driving public service reforms by embracing innovation, digital technology and a culture of excellence.
She made the call on Monday during the opening of the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, describing civil servants as critical partners in the Federal Government’s efforts to build stronger institutions and improve service delivery.
Addressing officers and staff, Dr. Ukaire said the future of the public service depends on its ability to adapt to emerging trends, harness technology and develop the capacity of workers to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
According to her, innovation, continuous learning and teamwork have become indispensable tools for achieving a modern, efficient and citizen-focused civil service.
The Permanent Secretary praised staff members for their commitment to public service, noting that their contributions have remained vital to maintaining stability and continuity in government operations.
She explained that the theme of this year’s Civil Service Week, “Transforming Public Institutions Through Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion,” reflects the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen governance through institutional reforms, technology adoption and improved workforce capacity.
Dr. Ukaire stressed that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation occupies a strategic position in communicating government policies and promoting national values, making it imperative for staff to remain innovative and responsive to changing realities.
She urged workers to uphold the principles of professionalism, integrity, accountability and patriotism while striving for higher standards of performance.
The Permanent Secretary also called on employees to invest in personal and professional development, stressing that adaptation and lifelong learning are necessary for success in an increasingly digital public sector.
She further encouraged staff to actively support the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by contributing meaningfully to reforms aimed at improving governance and public service delivery.
As part of the opening ceremony, directors and senior officers of the ministry delivered presentations on key reform pillars under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021–2025).
The sessions focused on capability building, performance management, payroll transparency, innovation, digitalisation and staff welfare, with speakers highlighting measures designed to enhance efficiency and accountability across the civil service.
Director of Public Communications, Barr. Henshaw Ogubike, emphasized the importance of developing skilled and motivated personnel through training, mentoring and career advancement opportunities, while other speakers highlighted the benefits of digital platforms and technology-driven processes in improving government operations.
Representatives of labour unions and staff associations pledged support for ongoing reforms and called on workers to embrace initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and institutional effectiveness.
The event marked the beginning of a week-long programme celebrating the contributions of civil servants and promoting awareness of reforms intended to reposition the Federal Civil Service as a more innovative, inclusive and service-oriented institution.
