Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has raised concerns that fear of career repercussions may hinder civil servants from offering candid advice to political leaders. This, he warned, could lead to costly mistakes in governance. Speaking at a colloquium in Abuja on Wednesday, Mustapha emphasized that officials worried about their jobs might avoid discussing sensitive issues, opting instead to tell leaders what they want to hear.
During his keynote address at the 2026 colloquium of the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries and Heads of the Civil Service of the Federation (CORFEPS), Mustapha stressed the importance of professional independence for effective governance. He urged civil servants to identify risks and present evidence on policy choices without fear. Mustapha stated that “a service that cannot speak truth to power cannot protect power from its own mistakes.”
The colloquium, themed “Navigating the Headwinds of Governance: Centrality of the Civil Service”, drew attention to the need for a constructive relationship between political leaders and civil servants. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who opened the event, underscored the importance of impartiality and integrity in public service. He called for leaders to respect professional standards and value honest advice.
Shettima, represented by Sadiq Wanka, Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure, stated that the Federal Government is refocusing on whether interventions genuinely improve lives rather than simply increasing the number of policies. This shift in focus aims to ensure that policies are effective and beneficial to the citizens.
Yayale Ahmed, CORFEPS National Chairman, highlighted the obligation of retired senior public servants to share their experiences for the benefit of future generations, enhancing public administration. The colloquium also saw the launch of the CORFEPS Journal on Public Policy and Governance, aimed at preserving institutional memory and promoting evidence-based policymaking.
Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, noted that ongoing reforms aim to create an efficient, productive, and citizen-centred service. He maintained that effective governance largely depends on the Civil Service’s ability to provide objective advice and accountability. The reforms seek to improve the overall performance of the civil service.
The event brought together stakeholders to discuss the challenges facing the civil service and the need for a more effective and efficient service. The discussions emphasized the importance of a constructive relationship between political leaders and civil servants in achieving good governance.
Key points
- Fear of career repercussions may prevent civil servants from providing honest advice to political leaders.
- Professional independence is crucial for effective governance.
- Ongoing reforms aim to create an efficient, productive, and citizen-centred civil service.
