Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Chairman of the
Federal Civil Service Commission, Tunji Olaopa, has called for improved funding and greater institutional independence for Executive Federal Commissions, stressing that such bodies must be insulated from political interference to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities and deepen good governance in Nigeria. This was contained in a statement signed by Ibraheem Zakariyya, anipr, Head, Press and Public Relations: For the Commission.
Prof. Olaopa made the call while receiving the Executive Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Mohammed Bello Shehu, who, on Wednesday, paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Drawing from global best practices, Prof. Olaopa noted that in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, Executive Commissions enjoy considerable autonomy, credibility, and budgetary protection, enabling them to function as strong and impartial institutions. He observed that their operational independence allows them to safeguard merit, professionalism, and continuity in governance, unlike systems where excessive political influence undermines institutional performance.
According to him, Nigeria must deliberately strengthen its Executive Commissions through legislative reforms, enhanced financial autonomy, and improved operational frameworks. He maintained that institutions responsible for career management, recruitment, remuneration, and public sector reforms must remain largely detached from partisan considerations if the civil service is to retain credibility and deliver efficiently.
The FCSC Chairman further emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among constitutional bodies, noting that strategic inter-agency engagement would foster collective intelligence, deepen policy coordination, and provide practical solutions to governance challenges confronting the Federal Government.
Speaking earlier, the RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu commended Prof. Olaopa for the far-reaching reforms currently being implemented at the Federal Civil Service Commission, particularly efforts aimed at modernizing the Commission, restoring meritocracy, and strengthening transparency in recruitment and service delivery.
Dr. Shehu described the ongoing reforms under Prof. Olaopa’s leadership as bold and timely, noting that rebuilding confidence in public institutions requires visionary leadership, institutional discipline, and sustained reform-minded commitment. He said the transformation agenda at the FCSC represents a significant step toward revitalizing the Nigerian civil service.
He also underscored the importance of increased funding for the Federal Civil Service Commission and other Executive Commissions, arguing that institutions entrusted with strategic national responsibilities should not be funded in the same manner as regular ministries. According to him, adequate funding remains essential for operational efficiency, staff motivation, and improved service delivery.
The RMAFC Chairman expressed optimism that closer collaboration between both Commissions would strengthen synergy, improve policy alignment, and support broader public sector reforms, especially in critical areas such as remuneration, revenue management, and institutional governance.
Both Chairmen reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration among Executive Commissions as a pathway to strengthening institutions, promoting administrative efficiency, and supporting the Federal Government’s reform agenda for national development.
Present at the meeting were Dr. Husseini Adamu, Hon. Commissioner representing FCT/Niger; Hon. Commissioner Ededet Eyoma, representing Akwa Ibom/Cross River; and Hon. Commissioner Shehu Aliyu, representing Sokoto/Zamfara.
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