Civil service reforms vital for improved national productivity, welfare, NCSU tells FG

The Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU) has urged the Federal Government to implement reforms aimed at improving the welfare and productivity of Nigerian workers.

Oluwole Adeleye, president of the union, made the call while speaking during a two-day event marking the 113th anniversary of the union in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on November 11, 2025, with the theme: ‘Navigating Economic Challenges, Strengthening Union Solidarity and Members’ Welfare.’

Adeleye, who was represented by the union’s National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, said the union is engaging the Federal Government to ensure a review and repositioning of the nation’s civil service.

He described career progression and worker welfare as essential tools for enhancing productivity and efficiency in the civil service.

Adeleye said, “As a worker one thing that will make you feel fulfilled is career progression. You get promoted as at when due. You get your salary, you get minimum wage, you get this and that.”

He however noted that one issue that urgently requires to be addressed is that of benchmark for terminal grade level of certain cadres in the service, particularly the Executive Officer cadre.

“Even if you are a degree holder, once you join the service through that particular cadre, there is a terminal level where you get to and you cannot not move (further), and that is Level 14.

“That Level 14 has actually demoralized many workers who are even Ph.D holders now. So, we are asking for reform. We have raised memo to say that there is need for amendments in this civil service that will open the gates for further movement of workers in that cadre to grade level 15 and 16,” Adeleye said.

Chukwuka Richman Osumah, Chairman of the Rivers State Chairman of the Civil Service Union, noted that the declaration of Emergency rule hindered productivity in the state.

Osumah, who also serves as Secretary of the Rivers State Joint Service Negotiating Council, described Siminalayi Fubara as a worker-friendly governor.

He pointed out that eventually also served as opportunity to mark the reinstatement of Governor Fubara, adding that “because of the Emergency rule, we had nothing to celebrate when our governor, the civil service governor, was not around.”

Osumah said Fubara “has done much for civil service. From even the salary, you can see Rivers State is one of the states that pays the highest salaries. In fact, last year he gave us Christmas bonus.”

Emecheta Chukwu, chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), said the anniversary celebration also seeks to strengthen cooperation among workers in Rivers State.

“This union was born 113 years ago, which means a lot of experiences have been acquired, maturity, a lot of our experience, the ugly, the good, and the best. Coming to take stock is looking for a way to go to the next level of the union operation,” he said.