BPSR functions to look for ways to make Government work better for the citizens - Dr Joe Abah, DG. BPSR.

Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Joe Abah

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Joe Abah has said the function of the BPSR is mainly to try to look for ways to make Government work better for the citizens of Nigeria. Speaking further, he said it involves making sure every Government agency drawing money from the Federal Budget deliver services to the Nigerian populace through monitoring, coordinating and communicating the reforms of the Federal Government. 

Dr Abah made this statement recently at a Radio phone-in programme “Know your Rights” on Hot F.M 98.3 sponsored by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre.

While highlighting some of the reforms of the Federal Government, Dr Abah said that although there is a need to improve on certain sectors, there is also a need to inform Nigerians of the successful reforms in certain sectors. He gave the statistics of a study covering 1999 – 2014 which outlines what is working, what has not worked and what needs to be improved on. He said the study showed that by 2014, Nigeria had a healthy pension fund of 4 trillion which was a step up from the deficit of 43 billion in 2004; Public Procurement and Due process have saved the country 528 billion as at 2014; Integrated Personnel Pay System (IPPIS) have save the country 1 billion dollars with 46 thousand ghost workers detected, and the moribund railways are now working.

In response to questions on ensuring all other agencies enrol with the IPPIS, Strike in the Health sector and Taxation issues in Nigeria, Dr. Abah said that efforts are being put in place to ensure that other agencies enrol in the IPPIS programme despite their resistance due to fears of lose of job, allowance, salary and, disparity in retirement ages in the Public Service.

Commenting on the incessant strike actions particularly in the Health Sector, he posited that reform starts with our attitude. He opined that Doctors strike should not be due to nomenclature or personal gains rather the value for life should be first priority considering the oath of office Doctors take when taking up employment. He assured that Government was looking at avenue for a more sustainable labour mechanism to be put in place in Nigeria. 

Dr Abah explained the misconception on Tax payments. He said Taxes are used by Government for provision of variety of services to the citizenry.

Culled from Reformer Monthly