Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, warned on Wednesday in Abuja that civil servants who fear career reprisals are likely to offer leaders the advice they want to hear, rather than the candid guidance needed for sound governance. His remarks came during the 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”.
What risk does fear of retaliation pose?
Mustapha explained that when officers worry that honest advice could jeopardise their careers, they may default to “comfortable advice”. He said a service that cannot speak truth to power cannot protect that power from its own mistakes, underscoring the danger of policy missteps born of muted counsel.
Key points highlighted by Mustapha
- Civil service strength lies in providing frank, lawful advice and transparent accountability, not merely in aligning with political leaders.
- Professional independence enables officials to identify risks, present evidence, and outline the likely costs of policy choices without intimidation.
- He served as SGF from 2017 to 2023, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges of balancing political directives with bureaucratic expertise.
How did the government’s top officials respond?
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who opened the colloquium, echoed the call for a constructive partnership between elected leaders and career civil servants. He stressed that public servants must uphold impartiality, integrity and responsible resource management, while political leaders should respect professional standards, value frank advice, and supply the clarity, resources and authority needed for policy implementation.
Represented by Special Adviser on Power Infrastructure Sadiq Wanka, Shettima added that the Federal Government is shifting focus from the sheer number of policies and committees to whether interventions actually solve problems and improve citizens’ lives.
What reforms are underway?
CORFEPS National Chairman Yayale Ahmed reminded retired senior officials of their duty to share accumulated experience with younger generations, thereby strengthening public administration. The event also launched the CORFEPS Journal on Public Policy and Governance, intended to document administrative experience, preserve institutional memory and promote evidence‑based policymaking.
What is the outlook for the civil service?
Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, said ongoing reforms aim to build an efficient, productive and citizen‑centred service. He emphasized that “the effectiveness of governance depends significantly on the ability of the Civil Service to advise objectively, implement policies efficiently and remain accountable to the citizens it serves.”
In summary, Mustapha’s address highlighted the essential role of candid, risk‑aware advice in preventing costly governance errors, while senior officials pledged to foster an environment where civil servants can operate without fear of retaliation.