How to Boost Productivity, Tackle Corruption in Public Service – JAMB Registrar
The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede has bemoaned the low remuneration package for workers in the public service, saying it is fueling corrupt practices by top-level officers.
He stated this at the 7th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, in Abuja, today.
Prof. Oloyede said: “Due to low salaries and emoluments, some misguided public servants at all levels are encouraged to look for sources within government to meet the elevated financial demands expected of their offices and status. The effect of this is the sacrifice of transparency and accountability in the administration of most government offices and agencies. In fact, the situation is so bad that salaries and allowances of ministers and heads of some agencies are lower than the salaries of middle level officers in a typical private enterprise.
“Curiously, there is also a wide gap in the compensation and salaries of some government departments and agencies compared with some others. The juicy agencies and government departments have become a hub and attraction for appointments of connected individuals and families of connected individuals. ”
According to him, wages and the compensation structure in the public service deserve a total review and overhaul. “Unless we are pretenders, we all know that some things do not just add up in the compensation of public servants and most of the public office holders. For example, the minimum wage, as a take-home pay, cannot take anyone home at this time in our economic history,” he said.
Considering the ever-increasing price level and the national currency devaluation, both of which have led to a spiral inflationary level, Prof. Oloyede observed that wages at all levels have become inadequate to meet the provision of basic needs of life for so many.
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The JAMB helmsman, who said that the Nigerian state is undergoing tremendous pressure under an excruciating socio-economic environment, added: “The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) though positive, has been growing at a declining rate over time. GDP growth was 5.01% during Q2, 2021, compared with a growth of 2.51% during Q2, 2023.
“Similarly, inflation rate worsened, as it increased from 19.64% in July 2022 to 24% by July 2023. Much more worrisome is the value of the Naira. It has now depreciated to above N700/$1.00 in the official market and above N1,000/$1.00 at the parallel market. These economic phenomena have further put pressure on the well-being of Nigerians. ”
He said that for Nigeria, as a nation, to attain social justice, significant economic recovery, and sustainable economic growth, there are some fundamental issues that must be addressed.
“Interestingly, the new government at the federal level has started with some bold actions and decisions, aiming at addressing the unfortunate circumstances we have found ourselves. Unfortunately, under the new government, some fundamental decisions and actions that have been taken have further exacerbated and plummeted our path deeper to increased poverty.
“The removal of fuel subsidy and the attempt to harmonise the foreign exchange rates have further fueled inflation and general increase in price level, with attendant negative impact on disposable income and standard of living. We understand that some of these decisions are long overdue because the whole fuel subsidy and foreign exchange market regimes were not sustainable and were laced with leakages, rent seeking, and massive corruption. It is hoped that in the medium term, the new policies will help in turning around the economy and put us on the path of sustainable growth and prosperity. But we need to do much more overhauling.
“There is a lot to do to rejuvenate the economy. One way is to pay commensurate remuneration for commensurate work. With a good, adequate, and competitive compensation structure in the public sector, the system can attract good hands. I believe that paying the right wages in the public sector is one way to improve the productivity of workers,” Prof. Oloyede added.
By PRNigeria
