Ex-Deputy Governors Seek Public Service Reform, Merit-Based Recruitment

The Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) has called for public service standards reform and strict merit-based recruitment to restore citizens’ confidence in government.

The call was contained in a communique issued at the end of its 5th National Conference held from 20th to 21st October 2026 in Abuja.

The two-day conference, with the theme “Rethinking Nation-Building: Bridging the Leadership-Citizen Disconnect Through Orientation, Attitude, Character, Culture and Tradition for Sustainable Development,” was chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, with former Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as Co-Chairman.

According to the Forum, selection systems must prioritize competence and character over patronage.

The Forum said government institutions should publish clear service standards specifying expected processing times, communication requirements, accessibility provisions and mechanisms for feedback and complaints.

“Government institutions should publish clear service standards specifying expected processing times, communication requirements, accessibility provisions, and feedback and complaints mechanisms,” it stated.

It argued that such reforms, coupled with a reassessment of political leadership recruitment to allow credible individuals to emerge, would earn trust and legitimacy for democracy to thrive.

“The Forum recommended that government reassess the process of political leadership recruitment in order to ensure that the process brings out credible persons with proven records, thereby earning trust and legitimacy,” It said

The Forum also urged government to support youth in digital innovation, provide an effective regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence, and harness vast natural resources, including agriculture and solid minerals, with the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

It advocated gender quotas and reservation of executive and legislative seats for women, youth and marginalized minorities at federal, state and local levels.

It further called for a strategic communication blueprint to ensure public functionaries communicate honestly about successes and challenges to reduce suspicion of governance.

The Forum also called for vigorous advocacy on Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution to inculcate patriotism, preservation of enduring cultures, promotion of family and community loyalty, reintegration of ex-convicts, formal ward-level consultative assemblies, enhanced teachers’ remuneration and a clearly defined constitutional role for traditional rulers.