From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Tunji Olaopa, disclosed that going-forward and with the approval of President Bola Tinubu, any civil servant that will be posted to the Federal Capital Territory – Civil Service Commission (FCT-CSC) will be required to sign a five-year bond.
The agreement mandates that the said staff remain with Commission during the five-year period before seeking posting outside elsewhere within the service sector.
According to a statement issued by Taiwo Hassan Head, Press and Public Relations, Taiwo Hassan, the FCSC chairman, made this disclosure when he received in audience the pioneer Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory – Civil Service Commission (FCT-CSC), Emeka Ezeh, noting that the bane of the Federal Civil Service Commission has been staff migrating out of the Commission for greener-pastures.
“People go to where there is money. But the truth of the matter is the Commission is not set up to run project. It is a service Commission”
He assured that the FCSC will provide all necessary support and guidance to his team, adding that the aim is to help the FCT-CSC succeed in building an effective and professionally oriented Civil Service Commission for the Federal Capital Territory.
He pledged his unalloyed support to the delegation on the task of building the FCT Commission.
“It is only our duty to provide the required guidance as a matter of rights. You need to be guided”.
Olaopa commended the FCT-CSC for having a substantive Secretary, which makes it a true establishment. He added that the FCSC will soon to have its own Secretary, so as to become a full-fledged organization that will not rely on pool officers.
He emphasized to the FCT-CSC delegation that their Commission possesses boundless potential for innovation, contrasting it with the FCSC, which he referred to as burdened with “inherited baggage.” He highlighted the challenges of navigating the existing bureaucratic framework within the FCSC, underscoring the need for a significant reorientation of FCSC staff.
He stated that FCSC would have been a game-changer for him if he had a fresh start like FCT-CSC.
According to him, the FCT-CSC approach would have allowed him to determine the type of management system he prefers, rather than being constrained by an existing bureaucratic structure. However, he noted that it was not possible for him to have a truly fresh start given the bureaucratic realities he faced on the ground.
Olaopa emphasized that the FCT-CSC Commission should strive to avoid inheriting the old-school baggage and outdated practices that could make the Commission irrelevant.
He said the Commission needs to shed these outdated elements and embrace a more modern, forward-thinking approach.
Olaopa noted that the lifespan of the FCT-CSC Commission is relatively short, which means it requires a very smart and visionary leader to rethink the Commission’s role and direction.
He said the Chairman needs to have the strategic foresight to guide the Commission towards greater relevance and impact.
He called for the Commission to drive administrative efficiency through the use of technology. By leveraging modern tools and systems, the Commission can streamline its operations and better serve its stakeholders in a timely and effective manner.
The FCSC chairman emphasised that any system that has not increased its digital penetration is four generations behind, stressing the need for organizations to prioritize digital transformation and keep up with the rapid technological advancements.
Olaopa suggested that the Commission should implement performance management practices. This, he said could involve putting the organization under a performance-bond, with clear targets set for the next five years. The goal, he added would be to drive the Commission towards measurable improvements and greater accountability.
He urged the FCT-CSC to pursue professionalism and strive to become ISO compliant. The aim would be to establish the FCT-CSC as a center of excellence in terms of administrative efficiency.
He also called on the FCT-CSC to collaborate closely with the Commission. The purpose, he said would be to avoid duplication of efforts, especially in light of the Commission’s recent seminar activities.
He said by working together, the organizations could leverage each other’s strengths and ensure a more coordinated and efficient approach.
Olaopa advised that FCT-CSC forthcoming Seminar should have sub-theme that will discuss functions, powers and responsibilities as well as the challenges and opportunities in the Civil Service Commission.
He explained that the FCSC Seminar scheduled to hold from 13th to 16th May 2024, is an event that will set the tone for FCT-CSC first level Seminar, adding that it was important for FCT-CSC to engage with FCT-Head of Service (FCT-HOS) to kickoff on sound footing.
According to him, the two organizations have defined functions that complement each-other like Siamese twins and not to be in competition.
Earlier in his remark, Ezeh who was accompanied by Commissioners and Secretary of the Commission, Umar Kuso, disclosed that coming to the was the first outing of the team after their inauguration by FCT-Minister on the 18th March, 2024.
Ezeh said the purpose for their visit was to thank the Olaopa for attending their inauguration and also, to secure the Commission’s guidance, collaboration, and support as they embark on the job of establishing the new FCT Civil Service Commission.
He informed that the Act setting up FCT Civil Service Commission was signed into law on August 24, 2018; and charged the Commission with the responsibility for appointments, promotion, discipline, and transfer of civil servants to the civil service of the Federal Capital Territory.
He used the occasion to invite the FCSC Chairman to their roundtable meeting coming up on the 13th to 16th May, 2024 which aimed at charting a way forward for the FCT Commission.
He said Olaopa is expected to facilitate a session at the meeting where he will speak on: “Civil Service Commission structure and functions” between 9.30am and 11:00am followed by question and answer session.