President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the National Strategy on Public Service Reforms, a program aimed at enhancing public service delivery in Nigeria. The strategy is being implemented by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR). Dasuki Arabi, Director General of BPSR, announced this development at the Child Online Safety Protection and Reporting of Abuse (COSPRA) 2026 summit held in Abuja.
The COSPRA 2026 summit, organized by the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF) and the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), brought together stakeholders to discuss online child safety. The event was held in collaboration with several key organizations, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to Dasuki Arabi, the National Strategy on Public Service Reforms is a crucial element in the government's efforts to improve public service delivery. The strategy is reviewed every three years to reflect changing circumstances and new policies. Arabi noted that recent developments, such as the government's policies on artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, were not captured in the previous strategy and will be incorporated into the new version.
The summit highlighted the importance of collaboration in ensuring the safety of children in the digital environment. Arabi emphasized that protecting children online requires a multifaceted approach, involving not just parents and institutions, but also regulation, public service delivery, and data governance. He stressed that a trusted digital environment is created when citizens have confidence in their institutions' ability to protect them and respond to harm.
Adesola Akinsanya, President of NiRA and Chairperson of the NiRA Board of Trustees, echoed the need for collective responsibility in protecting children online. He noted that children are increasingly exposed to devices and the internet from a young age, and that stakeholders must come together to ensure their safety. Akinsanya emphasized the importance of involving lawmakers, policymakers, business leaders, and civil society in the effort to protect children online.
Erica Okibe, Executive Secretary of the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF), welcomed attendees to the summit, highlighting the importance of addressing online child safety. She noted that children are spending more time online, making friends, and interacting with artificial intelligence, and that it is essential to take responsibility for their protection.
The approval of the National Strategy on Public Service Reforms is a significant step towards improving public service delivery in Nigeria. The strategy's focus on adapting to changing circumstances, including technological advancements, is critical in ensuring that public services are effective and responsive to citizens' needs. The summit's emphasis on collaboration and collective responsibility in protecting children online is also a key takeaway.
Key points
- President Tinubu approves National Strategy on Public Service Reforms to drive public service delivery improvements.
- The strategy is reviewed every three years to reflect changing circumstances and new policies.
- Collaboration and collective responsibility are essential in ensuring the safety of children in the digital environment.
