By Palma Ileye
Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has called for increased funding and greater institutional independence for Executive Federal Commissions, saying they must be insulated from political interference to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities and strengthen good governance in Nigeria.
Olaopa made the call on Wednesday while receiving the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, during a courtesy visit to the FCSC headquarters in Abuja.
Drawing from international best practices, he said Executive Commissions in countries such as Australia and New Zealand enjoy substantial autonomy, credibility and budgetary protection, enabling them to function as impartial institutions that uphold merit, professionalism and continuity in governance.
He argued that Nigeria should strengthen its Executive Commissions through legislative reforms, enhanced financial autonomy and improved operational frameworks.
According to him, institutions responsible for career management, recruitment, remuneration and public sector reforms should remain largely insulated from partisan politics to preserve the credibility and efficiency of the civil service.
The FCSC chairman also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among constitutional bodies, noting that increased inter-agency engagement would improve policy coordination, encourage knowledge sharing and provide practical solutions to governance challenges facing the Federal Government.
Earlier, the RMAFC chairman, Dr. Shehu, commended Olaopa for the ongoing reforms at the Federal Civil Service Commission, particularly initiatives aimed at modernising the Commission, restoring meritocracy and promoting transparency in recruitment and service delivery.
He described the reforms as bold, timely and essential to rebuilding public confidence in government institutions, adding that revitalising the civil service requires visionary leadership, institutional discipline and sustained commitment to reform.
Shehu also advocated increased funding for the Federal Civil Service Commission and other Executive Commissions, arguing that institutions with strategic national responsibilities should not be funded in the same manner as regular Ministries.
According to him, adequate funding was critical to improving operational efficiency, staff motivation and service delivery.
He expressed optimism that closer collaboration between the FCSC and RMAFC would strengthen institutional synergy, improve policy alignment and advance public sector reforms, particularly in remuneration, revenue management and institutional governance.
Both Chairmen reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration among Executive Commissions as a means of strengthening public institutions, improving administrative efficiency and supporting the Federal Government’s reform agenda for national development.
Also present at the meeting were FCSC Commissioners Dr. Husseini Adamu, representing the FCT/Niger; Hon. Ededet Eyoma, representing Akwa Ibom/Cross River; and Hon. Shehu Aliyu, representing Sokoto/Zamfara.
