The Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, Mr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, said that the Nigerian public service is gradually been repositioned as a result of the intervention of their Bureau.
He stated this in his welcome address at the ‘Nigeria Govtech Conference and Awards Ceremony,’ themed, “Advancing Public Service Reforms Through Digital Transformation”. The event was held at the International Conference Centre, in Abuja.
Said Arabi: “Permit me to state that as an engine of reform in the country, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms has taken the steps to strengthen good governance and ensure public service becomes transparent, accountable and citizens’ centre. I would like to reiterate a few of these initiatives that have helped to advance the Service in a positive direction.
“They include but not limited to Digitalization of Public Financial Management which gave birth to the Treasury Single Account; IPPIS and GIFMIS; Bank Verification Number; IPSAS; Online Auditing; Government Open Account; and the Freedom of information portal, which was the first deployed by the Bureau; together with the Institutionalization of Electronic Document Management System, among others”.
He further said that their BPSR is currently partnering with the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, to introduce and promote adoption of Block-chain technology to deepen accountability and transparency in the operations and services of public institutions.
He added that, “We are working with NITDA, NCC, Digital Bridge, Galaxy Backbone, Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, NIRA to commence the process of training 500,000 public servants on digital skills in the Federation”.
The BPSR Director General, explained that the Nigeria Govtech Conference and Awards is a reform initiative designed to bring governments at the Federal, State Local Government and actors in the technology industry together to discuss and identify ways new and emerging trend in ICT can be used to transform public service and improve the general wellbeing of Nigerians.
“Essentially, this forum provides a unique opportunity for ecosystem of unified GovTech stakeholders from public and private sectors as well as interest groups, academia.
“Civil Society group to engage in a policy thinking process and practical implementation aimed at digital transformation and positive citizens’ experience in Nigeria.
“The theme of this event: “Advancing the public service reforms through digital transformation” was carefully selected to further underpin the power of technology solution in transforming the institutional, operational and structural form of public service which is critical to the birth of Nigeria we all aspire to see,” Mr. Ibrahim Arabi said.
In his keynote address, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, thanked BPSR and Nigeria GovTech Initiative for their partnership and the efforts they put into organising the Nigeria Govtech Conference and Awards ceremony.
He said the theme of the ceremony: “Advancing Public Service Reforms through Digital Transformation” was apt and coming at no better time than when the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to repositioning the public service for a strong global competitive advantage.
Sen. Akume said: “We must ensure that serious attention is given to enforcement of relevant government policies that chart a pathway on our digital transformation journey that enhances cybersecurity, protects personal privacy, and critical digital infrastructures that underpin e-government and digital economy.
“Respective MDAs must synergize and share information with one another. The public service must begin to leverage emerging technologies such as blockchain technology, Artificial Intelligent to promote data governance and capacity building.
“Within my leadership scope, we shall work with all stakeholders at all levels to contribute to global efforts that would address all issues challenging digital transformation of the Service and ensure the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in laying the foundation for a vibrant ecosystem of digital enterprises that will contribute to economic growth and job creation”.
