Fostering Public-Private Partnerships for Improved Service Delivery in Government

At the Foundation, we continue to champion integrity and accountability in public service. This month, we joined a panel discussion titled "Implementing a Systematic Collaboration Approach in Building Accountability" hosted by Integrity Innovation Lab to support the development of a culture of integrity within the government. During the panel discussion, our Director of Programmes Chioma Njoku, described how we have partnered   with both the private and public sectors as part of our work to advance the six pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP25), a comprehensive public sector reform plan.

A key highlight of the discussion was our recent collaboration with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) to train Federal Civil Service Directors. Click here to read more about the training. This initiative demonstrates how the public sector can work effectively with non-profits and private sector partners to bridge capacity gaps.

We emphasized the importance of public sector accountability extending beyond internal stakeholders to encompass the citizens they serve. Effective communication is key to achieving this increased accountability. Public sector organisations should create channels for feedback and view it as an opportunity for service improvement. Tools such as webinars, newsletters, and functional websites are essential for fostering this two-way communication. Moreover, collaboration should not be limited to external partnerships; interministerial and interagency collaboration is crucial for enhancing policy effectiveness and creating synergies across government functions.

We were delighted to hear from representatives of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and SERVICOM, who shared their positive experiences working with the Foundation. Mrs. Lucy Zach-Ukoh from SERVICOM noted how our partnership has expanded their mandate to include monitoring the use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across MDAs, leading to improved service delivery. Additionally, SERVICOM played a crucial role in developing the data collection tool for our Index, which tracks the performance of public sector organisations.

By fostering collaboration, promoting accountability, and leveraging external expertise, we can collectively drive meaningful reforms in Nigeria's public sector.