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The Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries (CORFEPS) is a body that intensifies contribution towards national development and public sector reform through policy advisories to the Federal Government and the publication of journal on public policy and governance.
The Council in its 2026 policy recommendations to the President focused on three critical areas: prudent debt administration, predictable budget cycles and stronger procurement practices.
The initiatives reflect CORFEPS’ commitment to drawing on the wealth of experience of retired senior civil servants to support effective governance, strengthen public institutions and promote sustainable national development.
Established in Lagos in 2004 as an association, CORFEPS was formally incorporated on February 17, 2012, as a council of retired public servants who had attained the position of Federal Permanent Secretary or Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Operating under the motto, “Continuing Patriotic Service,” the council serves as a platform for experienced public administrators to contribute to national discourse and offer constructive advice on public policy.
Its objectives include promoting meaningful engagement on national development, encouraging high standards of public conduct and performance, assessing national progress and strengthening the non-partisan role of the civil service.
CORFEPS also seeks to promote interaction among retired Federal Permanent Secretaries and inspire serving public officers through the sharing of institutional knowledge and professional experience.
A major highlight of the council’s activities in 2026 is the publication of its maiden CORFEPS Journal on Public Policy and Governance.
The journal is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience by drawing on the insights of individuals who have occupied senior positions in Nigeria’s public service.
Its inaugural edition examines broad policy areas and offers perspectives on the structural and operational realities of the Nigerian state.
Subsequent editions are expected to preserve the institutional memory of retired senior public servants and provide practical insights for building a more agile, transparent and effective public sector.
The initiative underscores the importance of documenting the experiences of senior administrators whose careers have exposed them to the formulation and implementation of government policies across different periods of Nigeria’s development.
Over the past four years, CORFEPS has organised seminars and conferences addressing contemporary issues in governance and national development.
These engagements have provided opportunities for serving civil servants to reflect on their responsibilities and renew their commitment to effective service delivery.
Beyond conferences and seminars, the council has identified policy advisories to the executive and memoranda to the legislature as important channels for translating its members’ experience into practical recommendations for government.
Its focus on debt administration, budgeting and procurement highlights three areas with significant implications for fiscal discipline, public expenditure management and accountability in government operations.
The council believes that constructive policy engagement can help strengthen public institutions and improve the quality of governance.
CORFEPS has also expanded its annual end-of-year gathering beyond its traditional role as a social event for members and stakeholders.
Following the introduction of its awards in 2025, the council has institutionalised the recognition programme as part of CORFEPS Week.
The awards honour individuals whose careers and contributions exemplify excellence in public service, institutional leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s development.
The initiative recognises the importance of integrity, competence, patriotism and professional excellence in building and sustaining effective public institutions.
The council’s annual gathering brings together members and their families, serving public officers, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, professional bodies, development partners and members of the diplomatic community.
With its headquarters in Abuja and a chapter in Lagos, CORFEPS operates through its national executive structure, regular general meetings, elections and committees. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu serves as the Council’s Grand Patron.
As Nigeria continues to confront challenges relating to public expenditure, institutional efficiency and service delivery, CORFEPS’ policy engagement and documentation of administrative experience offer a platform for sustained dialogue between retired and serving public officials.
Through its policy recommendations, publications and professional recognition programme, the council seeks to ensure that the experience accumulated by senior public servants continues to contribute to the strengthening of governance and the development of Nigeria.
Dr. Adaoha C. Okwuosa, OON. (Co-Chair of the Planning Committee for CORFEPS WEEK) and Mr. David Adejo Andrew, OON.
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