Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has cautioned that fear of career repercussions may prevent civil servants from providing honest advice to political leaders. This could lead to costly mistakes in governance.
Speaking at a colloquium in Abuja on Wednesday, Mustapha noted that officials worried about their jobs might avoid candid discussions, opting instead to tell leaders what they want to hear. “A service that cannot speak truth to power cannot protect power from its own mistakes,” he stated.
During his keynote address at the 2026 colloquium of the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries and Heads of the Civil Service of the Federation (CORFEPS), themed “Navigating the Headwinds of Governance: Centrality of the Civil Service”, Mustapha stressed the importance of professional independence for effective governance. He urged civil servants to identify risks and present evidence on policy choices without fear.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who opened the event, underscored the need for a constructive relationship between political leaders and civil servants. He emphasised the importance of impartiality and integrity in public service and called for leaders to respect professional standards and value honest advice.
Shettima, represented by Sadiq Wanka, Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure, stated that the Federal Government is refocusing on whether interventions genuinely improve lives rather than simply increasing the number of policies.
Yayale Ahmed, CORFEPS National Chairman, highlighted the obligation of retired senior public servants to share their experiences for the benefit of future generations, enhancing public administration.
The colloquium also saw the launch of the CORFEPS Journal on Public Policy and Governance, aimed at preserving institutional memory and promoting evidence-based policymaking. Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, noted that ongoing reforms aim to create an efficient, productive, and citizen-centred service, maintaining that effective governance largely depends on the Civil Service’s ability to provide objective advice and accountability.
