Linus Aleke in Abuja
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has raised issues over the remuneration of directors-general (DGs) of federal parastatals, alleging that they earn extra than ministers, everlasting secretaries, and administrators mixed.
He referred to as for a evaluate of the present remuneration construction, describing the disparity as an abnormality that requires pressing consideration.
Mustapha additionally emphasised the necessity for a good and sustainable remuneration system that will enhance staff’ welfare, increase morale, assist sort out corruption inside the service and improve productiveness throughout the general public service.
He made the decision whereas delivering the keynote tackle on the colloquium and unveiling of the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries and Heads of the Civil Service of the Federation (CORFEPS) Journal on Public Policy and Governance in Abuja.
The occasion, which marked the start of CORFEPS Week 2026, had the theme: ‘Navigating the Headwinds of Governance: Centrality of the Civil Service’.
Mustapha mentioned the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Civil Service and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, should tackle disparities in public sector remuneration.
“The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission has an important role to play in determining remuneration options. I sometimes feel a little embarrassed when I see successive governments presenting budget estimates running into trillions of naira, yet the people expected to manage those trillions of naira earn peanuts,” he mentioned.
He questioned the rationale behind entrusting public servants with monumental tasks with out adequately remunerating them. He additionally described as irregular a state of affairs during which some company heads earn extra than ministers and everlasting secretaries mixed.
Citing Singapore’s remuneration construction, Mustapha famous that its Prime Minister earned $2.6 million yearly, in contrast with the $400,000 earned by US President Donald Trump. He attributed Singapore’s management construction to its rigorous recruitment course of, which pulls many leaders from the civil service.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, supported Mustapha’s place, stressing that the effectiveness of insurance policies trusted the workforce liable for implementing them.
Professionalising the civil service is due to this fact not mere rhetoric. It requires far-reaching expertise administration reforms and sustained funding in capability improvement, coaching and retraining,” he mentioned.
Olaopa famous that retaining proficient personnel remained a significant problem, regardless of the service’s skill to draw extremely succesful people. He disclosed that he had mentioned the problem with the Salaries and Wages Commission, including that ongoing deliberations might assist advance civil service reforms.
Declaring the colloquium open, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure, Office of the Vice-President, Sadiq Wanka, described the civil service as central to nationwide improvement and the state’s skill to fulfil its obligations to residents.
He mentioned the Renewed Hope Agenda mirrored the administration’s response to Nigeria’s financial and social challenges.
Wanka added that the federal government had shifted its focus from the quantity of insurance policies introduced and committees inaugurated as to if public interventions had been fixing issues and enhancing lives.
He cited obligatory ministerial deliverables, coordinated by the Central Delivery Coordinating Unit (CDCU), and ministerial briefings as mechanisms for assessing authorities efficiency.
“We are committed to providing positive answers to the everyday questions Nigerians ask: ‘Are services reaching the people for whom they are intended? Are public funds generating value? Are decisions timely and informed by evidence? Can citizens see and trust the results?’” he requested.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, mentioned the colloquium offered a platform for mental engagement, skilled reflection and the change of concepts on strengthening governance and repositioning the civil service for larger effectiveness.
He careworn that efficient governance trusted the civil service’s skill to offer goal recommendation, implement insurance policies effectively and stay accountable to residents.
Earlier, the National Chairman of CORFEPS, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, mentioned the council was established to allow retired everlasting secretaries and former heads of the civil service to contribute their expertise, skilled data, and institutional reminiscence to nationwide improvement.
According to him, “Our retirement from formal office does not diminish our commitment to Nigeria. Rather, it provides an opportunity to reflect on our collective experience, draw lessons from our service and offer constructive advice on matters of public policy and administration. This commitment is captured in our motto: ‘Continuing Patriotic Service’.”
Ahmed added that CORFEPS would proceed to organise coverage dialogues, seminars and conferences, conduct analysis and supply recommendation on issues of nationwide significance.
“We believe that those who have served the nation at the highest levels of public administration have a responsibility to make their accumulated knowledge available to succeeding generations,” he mentioned.
