Public services are conventionally systematized in a way that puts the citizens as the recipient of quality public service delivery but Its delivery can be afflicted by corruption which leads to poor service.
The national coordinator of Service Compact with all Nigerians (SERVICOM), Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli encouraged citizens to hold public officials accountable and speak out when they are not served well during DoroCorruption Radio program organized by Say No Campaign in Wazobia FM, Abuja.
According to her, the government, through SERVICOM directed every ministry, department and agency to possess a service charter containing the mandate of every public office broken down into measurable standards and timelines, that is, how the service is being delivered and what citizens should expect from the various public offices.
Reacting to the accessibility of the service charter, The Public Awareness Manager of SERVICOM office, Ms Patience Musa said that it is the responsibility of the ministerial SERVICOM unit in every public office to display or make available the service charter to citizens and ensure improved quality of services in the organization they operate.
Though it can be found on many MDAs website, she urged citizens to always demand for the service charter which is a public document and shouldn’t be treated as confidential, for a better understanding of the workings and mandate of public service, which shapes their sense of trust in and expectations from the government.
Ms. Patience admonished citizens to speak out and challenge service failure in various MDAs, which can be achieved by amplifying corruption issues and complaining sufficiently to SERVICOM while waiting for maximum result.
While recognizing some individuals in the public service who have maintained integrity, Mrs. Nnenna said SERVICOM is working with MDAs to hold them more accountable and ensure implementation of services based on the charter and also exhorted citizens to join hands to ensure that service delivery is improved in Nigeria.