Obaseki’s Reforms: Bringing Respect Back to Edo’s Civil Service

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, affirmed on Sunday that his administration will be remembered for restoring respect, efficiency, and credibility to Edo State’s civil service through comprehensive reforms.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Obaseki highlighted the transformation of the civil service under his leadership, elevating it to one of the most respected and motivated in Nigeria. He described the civil service as essential to implementing government policies and visions effectively.

“When I assumed office in 2016, the civil service was in a state of decay, with infrastructure so neglected that civil servants had to rely on filling stations for basic amenities like restrooms,” Obaseki explained. “Through aggressive reforms, we changed that narrative.”

He continued, “For decades, civil servants were undervalued and unsupported. We’ve worked to reverse that—enhancing their work environments and restoring their dignity. Today, Edo’s civil servants enjoy some of the best workspaces in the state, fully equipped with modern facilities.”

Obaseki also noted that the state’s civil service operations are now fully digital, preventing issues like misplaced files, which were once common. “The civil service is the engine that drives government operations. If that engine is faulty, government policies cannot be effectively executed,” he said. “By ensuring the civil service is supported, we ensure the entire government can function as intended.”

In a bid to modernize the workforce, Obaseki’s administration invested significantly in the training and upskilling of civil servants. This included the establishment of the John Odigie Oyegun Training Centre for continuous professional development and the installation of high-speed internet through fibre optics, which has streamlined office processes and enhanced productivity.

On worker compensation, Obaseki underscored that Edo State took the initiative to raise the minimum wage to N70,000, well above the national benchmark, reinforcing his belief that fair pay is crucial to loyalty and productivity. He added that workers in the state now enjoy additional benefits, including health insurance and improved access to quality education for their children.

Obaseki assured that his administration also prioritized the welfare of retirees, with regular pension payments and policies designed to give workers a renewed sense of pride and belonging.

Reflecting on his tenure, which concludes on November 11, Obaseki expressed pride in the reforms, equating the quality of Edo’s civil service staff to the high standards he experienced in the private sector. “If Nigeria is to move forward, we must rebuild and digitize the civil service, leveraging data, internet connectivity, and artificial intelligence,” he emphasized.

Obaseki is set to hand over to the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, who won the September 21 governorship election.