Innovation As A Tool For Positive Change
The Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Mrs. Gloria-Vera C. Azoro, has described innovation as a practical tool for driving change in government operations. She explained that innovation involves improving existing processes or introducing new ideas that make services more efficient, timely, and cost-effective.
The Director made this known today when the Ministry organised a training programme on innovation for its agencies, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen reforms and improve service delivery across the public service.
Mrs. Azoro noted that the training was designed to equip officers with the mindset and skills needed to rethink how work is done, stressing that innovation requires both critical thinking and openness to new approaches.
She expressed satisfaction with the participation of all six agencies under the Ministry and thanked the Permanent Secretary for approving the programme.
To ensure that innovation efforts are sustained, she urged agencies that are yet to establish Innovation Units to do so and to set up Innovation Committees with representatives from all departments. According to her, this will help embed a culture of innovation across the system and encourage wider participation among staff.
She also advised participants to carry their management along in all reform initiatives and to introduce regular innovation-driven activities, including quarterly challenges, to generate practical solutions to institutional problems.
The Director added that the training would feature presentations by experienced reformers and innovators and encouraged participants to take full advantage of the sessions by engaging actively and applying the lessons in their respective agencies.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to building a more responsive and efficient public service through sustained reform and innovation.
Earlier, Dr. John Magbadelo, a former Director of Civil Service Transformation (OHCSF), presented a paper titled “Prospects and Challenges of Innovation in Nigeria’s Public Service.” In his presentation, he asserted that the Nigerian Federal Public Service has, over the years, demonstrated responsiveness to the demands of operational transformation from analogue systems to digitalisation of its work processes. He added that the ongoing digital revolution in the Federal Civil Service, which began in 2016, has extended to all levels of Nigeria’s public service.
Another keynote presentation by Mr. Henry Nwaedo of the Service Innovation Department, OHCSF, titled “Driving Public Sector Transformation: The Strategic Role of Innovation Divisions in Ministries and MDAs,” highlighted that improved governance and service delivery can be achieved by fostering a culture of innovation, driving the implementation of ideas, and supporting policy reforms.
