Management staff and Deputy Directors of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (MLG&CA), have undergone a 3-day capacity building retreat aimed at improving institutional performance, governance quality and public trust

Speaking during the programme at Ikenne-Remo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Rotimiolu Akinlesi, underscored the importance of purposeful leadership in the Civil service, describing it as critical to effective policy implementation and improved service delivery.

He noted that effective leadership would ensure continuity in governance, particularly in sustaining long-term development plans despite changes in political administration.

In a lecture titled: ‘The Essence of Order: Public Service Rules in Civil Service Management,’ a retired Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Kehinde Ogunfowodu, described Public Service Rules as a vital tool for ensuring order, efficiency and accountability in Nigeria’s Civil service.

He warned that the absence of structured guidelines could lead to chaos, corruption and poor service delivery, stressing that the civil service remained the backbone of governance by providing continuity, stability and professionalism in government operations.

Ogunfowodu explained that without a clear framework to guide conduct and decision-making, institutions risk descending into disorder and inefficiency.

He said Public Service Rules served as a comprehensive guide regulating responsibilities, conduct and administrative processes, defining order as the systematic arrangement of roles and procedures that promotes discipline, coordination and predictability in public institutions while ensuring fairness and accountability.

Ogunfowodu outlined key functions of the rules to include; regulating discipline, guiding human resource management, promoting ethical standards and ensuring administrative efficiency, saying that the rules were anchored on legal frameworks such as the 1999 Constitution, Public Service Regulations and financial guidelines, while noting that strict adherence enhances transparency and reduces corruption.

He highlighted the various challenges to include; poor awareness, weak enforcement, political interference and resistance to change, while calling for sustained training, stronger leadership commitment and periodic review of the rules.

Ogunfowodu stressed that leaders must demonstrate integrity and accountability to build a more efficient and credible civil service capable of driving sustainable development.

Responding on behalf of the participants, Mrs. Busola Olabinke, appreciated the Resource person for the wealth of experience shared, promising that the knowledge garnered would be put into good use and would translate to their effective service delivery.