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General News

Tinubu tasks public servants on accountability to citizens

 

By Salisu Sani-Idris

President Bola Tinubu has implored public servants to live up to expectation by upholding public trust where they must all be accountable to the citizens.

 

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call on Saturday at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

 

He restated his administration’s determination to creating an environment where merit was rewarded, and where every public servant felt valued and motivated to give their best.

 

Tinubu urged them to always be guided by the fact that the nation’s public institutions were not personal enterprises, and that, as public servants, they were employees of the Nigerian people.

 

He said the event was not just about the awards ceremony, but about embedding a culture of recognition and reward in the ethos of the country’s public service.

 

Tinubu noted that some loopholes were still being exploited by those saddled with the nation’s trust in spite of the institutional measures put in place to prevent any form of irregularities in the public service.

 

“More than ever, our public service must live up to its expectation as a public trust where every official must account to the people, and ours is to create an ecosystem where they not only stand out but stand apart from those who sabotage us.

 

“Even though we have set in place institutional measures to forestall any form of dysfunction in our public service, there are still cracks often exploited by those given the trust of the nation.

 

“But what we must never get tired of doing is reminding ourselves that our public institutions are not personal enterprises and, for that, each of us is an employee of the Nigerian citizen,” he said.

 

While underlining the significance of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS), a private sector initiative in partnership with the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Tinubu gave the initiative his full support.

 

He said that it was strategic to inspire the bulk of the nation’s workforce to set benchmarks and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our society.

 

According to him, reward and recognition are the very markers of every thriving institution, and indeed, nation.

 

He noted that the essence of any successful entity, whether a private enterprise or public institution, was in its ability to honour those who work to uphold its values and drive its progress.

 

“Our labour force remains the ultimate reflection of our principles, as practised by men and women who rise every day with a commitment to building a better future for all citizens.

 

“We, therefore, owe these silent architects of our national progress more than just a debt of gratitude.”

 

The President, who showered praises on Nigerian public servants, maintained that their place must be remembered in order to motivate them to inspire others and make clear “that excellence is not an orphan”.

 

Tinubu said NEAPS also played a crucial role of introducing more role models to a nation in search of mentors and to tell the awardees that, “we see them, and the excellence with which they have served the nation”.

 

“The 44 persons we are here to honour set in motion a chain of actions to build a culture of hard work and commitment to noble principles in our public service.

 

“We must also strive to make sure that the values that have set them apart are deeply ingrained in our culture.

 

“There’s no better way to water this forest of high performance, integrity, and accountability than our collective refusal to underplay the efforts of those who labour day in and day out to hold our nation together.”

 

Earlier, Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said NEAPS, a private sector-driven initiative, recognised and rewarded innovation, purposeful leadership and hardwork by exceptional individuals and organisations in the country’s public service across all levels of government and the private sector.

 

He explained that the process of selecting the honourees was based on empirical facts and figures that were verifiable.

 

The SGF gave the assurance that efforts would be made to ensure the initiative was maintained as a regular feature in order to motivate and encourage excellence in the country’s public service.

 

He urged recipients of the awards not to relent in their efforts toward making Nigeria a more prosperous and progressive country.

 

Among the 44 persons who clinched the NEAPS were retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Peace Building award) and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio (Parliamentary Excellence award).

 

Others are: the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas (Parliamentary Excellence award); and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila (Leadership and Administration award).

 

Also, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, bagged the Administrator par Excellence award.

 

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State was also recognised, and among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

General News

Leak official documents, risk jail – FG warns

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Federal Government has warned that unauthorised disclosure or leakage of official documents, capable of impacting the country negatively, is a punishable offence.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja, at a workshop organised by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF)

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the workshop is: “Renewing hope and strengthening of national unity through effective communication and the role of the Official Secret Acts in maintaining confidentiality and national security.’’

Represented by Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SGF, Akume said unauthorised leakage of sensitive official document constitutes felony and there is no defence for such, either in the Constitution  or Freedom of Information Act.

NAN reports that Section 97 (2) of the Criminal Code Act of Nigeria, provides: “Any person who, being employed in the public service, without proper authority abstracts, or makes a copy of, any document the property of his employer is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for one year”.

Akume recalled that government had devised measures in the past to contain the leakage of sensitive official information in MDAs through the issuance of service-wide circulars by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in August 2021.

“This was reinforced by the issuance of another service-wide circular in February 2024 on the unauthorised circulation of official documents with information on social media.

“This was done to re-emphasise other extant regulations prohibiting unauthorised disclosure or leakage of official documents

“There is the need to regulate the activities of the civil society organisations who use the Freedom of Information Act to harass, intimidate and siphon resources from public officers through the dissemination of fake and unfounded information.

“This should be properly addressed by all the practitioners in the communication and related industries,’’ he said.

Akume commended the BPSR for organising the workshop, saying its underlines the importance government places on the dissemination of correct and truthful information.

The Director-General of Bureau, Dr Dasuki Arabi, urged participants to equip themselves with the Official Secrets Act and effectively communicate government policies and programmes to the public.

“Your role as communication managers in MDAs is crucial, especially in our increasingly complex information ecosystem.

“In today’s environment, communications and platforms are highly fragmented. The government cannot afford to be reactive.

“It must lead the communication landscape to prevent misinformation and ensure that citizens are all informed about the activities, objectives of government and benefits of its policies and programmes to the citizens of the country.

“Accurate and prompt information delivery is essential and cannot be compromised as its impact on service delivery and governance is profound,” he said.

Arabi tasked the communication managers to take advantage of the training to use the traditional and social media platforms to ensure the public is well informed about government initiatives, programmes and services. FG(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rotimi Ijikanmi

Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
Gender , General News

FG tasks civil servants on improved service delivery

By Maureen Okon

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has urged civil servants to remain diligent and value-oriented in the execution of their official duties.

Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary in the ministry gave the charge when Ali Seidu, Chairman of the union in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside some members of staff, visited him in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was in appreciation of Aduda’s impactful role during his tenure as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from December 2020 to October 2022.

Aduda said that the civil service was the engine room of government adding that, it was their responsibility as civil servants to ensure effective service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said that the civil service was crucial in actualising the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led Administration.

He, therefore, urged civil servants to always give their best in their service to humanity.

“Always put in your best at every opportunity you are given to serve. You may never have a second chance to make a first impression, so always put your best foot forward.

“Never relent in supporting your subordinates and superiors,” he advised.

Aduda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to capacity development for workers; enhance efficiency and productivity for effective service delivery in the public sector, in line with global standards.

Responding, Seidu, the union chairman expressed gratitude to the permanent secretary for his contributions to staff career progression and capacity building at the foreign ministry.

He acknowledged Aduda’s efforts in facilitating the conversion of staff from the Executive Cadre to Officer Cadre.

Seidu said that the knowledge and opportunities gained from these initiatives would be utilised to achieve the goals and objectives of the federal government.

NAN reports that the high point of the event was the presentation of a customised, handcrafted thank-you card by the group. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Ondo State Head of Service (HoS), Bayo Philip, addressing civil servants in the state
General News

Steer clear of political activities, Ondo govt warns civil servants

By Segun Giwa

The Ondo State Government has warned civil servants to stay away from political activities ahead of the Nov. 16 governorship election in the state.

The state Head of Service (HoS), Bayo Philip, gave the warning on Wednesday during the commencement of the 2024 promotion exercise for civil servants in the state.

Philip charged them to maintain the highest standard of professionalism and adhere to the established rules and regulations of the service.

“I must also tell you, this is an election year, do your job. You are civil servants and have nothing to do with partisan politics; engage your mind more than you engage your mouth.

“I want to admonish you, in your respective desks, you must not deliver short of quality and you must not deliver late.

“Whatever you are to do must not be short of quality and must not be done late. Do your job as patriotic civil servants that you are,” he said.

He disclosed that Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa had approved the promotion of 4,200 workers with attendant financial benefits.

Philip, who appreciated the governor for the gesture, urged the benefiting workers to reciprocate by putting their best in service delivery, saying “to whom much is giving, much is expected”.

“I must appreciate Mr Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who said ‘head of service, don’t pursue me with any file, everyone who is due for promotion, go ahead and promote them’.

“The position of our governor is that a labourer is worthy of his wage even before his sweat will dry and an officer is worthy of his promotion as and when due,” the HoS said.

Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Training, Mrs Olufunke Dare-Atuse, enjoined participants not to take the promotion for granted, but rather justify it through improved efficiency in their new positions.

Dare-Atuse lauded the government for prompt approval of the process and without stringent conditions and unnecessary encumbrances. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Tayo Ikujuni

General News

IPPIS restores 8,000 delisted civil servants, promises arrears — Union

By Esenvosa Izah

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) says some 8,000 federal civil servants, of those delisted from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for infractions, have been restored.

ASCSN’s General Secretary, Mr Joshua Apebo, made the disclosure, on Wednesday, during a get together in Lagos.

It was reported that the Federal Government had in September delisted more than 17,000 workers from the IPPIS platform for allegedly failing to comply with verification spanning over five years.

However, following the intervention of ASCSN, the government, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, began the verification of the 17,000 civil servants in October.

Apebo said, “As at yesterday (Dec. 19, 2023) over 8,000 civil servants that were delisted, their names have been returned to the IPPIS and the government promised that it is going to pay December salary along with three months arrears.”

The general secretary also said that the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria had submitted the list of committee members for the negotiation of the minimum wage to the government.

According to him, the committee will be inaugurated in January 2024 to commence the negotiation.

“The last minimum wage was inaugurated in April 2019 and the rule says every five years; so, by April 2024, it would be five years. So, I hope before then, it will be concluded, ” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed\Oluwole Sogunle

Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan
General News

2023 Rewards: HoS tasks civil servants on effective performance

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, has urged the civil servants to have a change of attitude for effective performance to enhance delivery on their MDAs’ objectives.

Yemi-Esan gave the charge at the 2023 Rewards and Recognition Award ceremony on Thursday, in Abuja where some members of staff were honoured with various degrees of awards for their outstanding performance.

The Head of Service, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management of the Service,Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the award was a call to more dedication and service.

According to her, the service is currently implementing a lot of reforms and the office of head of service has put quite a lot in terms of encouragement and providing facilities to manage challenges.

“What we are doing today is part of performance management, when an officer is saddled with responsibility he or she must see himself as somebody very important to the nation.

The management team, OHSCF, and the awardees at the 2023 Rewards and Recognition ceremony of HoS on Thursday in Abuja
The management team, OHSCF, and the awardees at the 2023 Rewards and Recognition ceremony of HoS on Thursday in Abuja

“Because the assignment that you are doing is important in meeting and delivering on the objectives of your MDA and as well contributing to the delivery of the objective of Mr President.

“So, whatever you are supposed to do, when you do it well, you are not only contributing to the objective of the MDA.

“But you are also contributing to the achievement of the objectives and aim point agenda of Mr President,’’ she said.

She, therefore, congratulated the awardees and urged them to keep on moving higher while encouraging other members of staff to follow suit.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Common Services, OHCSF, Mrs Jafiya Shehu, said the Service considered the welfare of its staff paramount.

Shehu explained that the awardees were carefully selected based on some defined criteria, ranging from unusual patriotic commitment, dedication to schedules and responsibilities among others.

She described the awardees as champions of the year 2023.

On behalf of the awardees, Mr Uche Ukpobi, who emerged winner of the directorate cadre, thanked the management team for the recognition/reward.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NA) reports that the awardees were given- a freezer, gas cooker, solar panel, plaques, and cash gift. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

NLC constantly calling for living wage for civil servants
General News

Subsidy removal: ICAN Chairman advocates living wages for civil servants

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

The Third Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Gwagwalada and District Society, Musa Dala has called on government to harmonise wages for civil servants to discourage corruption.

Dala spoke during the investiture of the third Chairman and inauguration of Executive Committee of ICAN Gwagwalada and District Society on Saturday in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory.

He said there was need for the removal of fuel subsidy, saying that the Nigerian economy had suffered for a very long time.

Dala also said that government should consider harmonising civil servants wages, saying that the disparities in the wages were not encouraging.

“Because the wages system of the country encourages corruption. So if we allow this kind of wages to continue there is no way to go,” he said.

On his acceptance speech, Dala said that his team would consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor and lift ICAN Gwagwalada and District Society to a higher level.

Similarly, the guest speaker of the occasion, Prof. Obida Wafure said that the removal of fuel subsidy was a welcome development.

Speaking on the topic, “Petroleum subsidy removal and the Nigeria economy”, Wafure said that the subsidy removal would reduce government borrowing and the associated huge debt.

“It will free resources for investment to other critical sectors of the economy, such as education, health, infrastructure, security and power.

“Reduce incentive for smuggling and associate risk. It will encourage investors into the petroleum sector to boost the economy,” he added.

On the possible solutions to fuel subsidy, Wafure said that there is need for a full deregulation of the downstream sector and complete removal of petroleum subsidy.

“Remove fuel subsidy and provide credible evidence based policies. Government should redesign the subsidy regime and direct it towards the poor.

“Increase minimum wage and increase monthly income threefold for Pay As You Earn (P.A.Y.E),” he said.

Earlier, the immediate past Chairman, Chimezie Ogu highlighted the achievements of his one year tenure.

Ogu said that during the tenure, the executive under his leadership was able to set a relevant, customised system of accounting in order to enable the District consciously practice the profession effectively.

“We earnestly embarked and built a healthy corporate image of the District within, at zonal and national levels, this is to attract responsible numerical and financial growth.

“You may recall, during my inaugural speech, I promised to ensure a District corporate office. As I speak, we have a contact Secretariat office among other achievements,” he said.

On his part, the 59th President of ICAN, Prof. Innocent Okwuosa advised the newly inaugurated executive to work as a team in the interest of ICAN and Nigeria in general.

Represented by by Mrs Qeensley Seghosime, the 2nd Deputy Vice President, ICAN, Okwuosa said that the executive had to demonstrate integrity and accountability at all times.

“They have to demonstrate integrity at all times, they have to demonstrate accountability at all times, they have to work together as a family.

“Because that is the essence of team work to be able to deliver on their mandates,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 13-member Executive Committee under the leadership of Dala, will run the ICAN affairs in the next one year. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Razak Owolabi

General News

IPPIS: FG inaugurates committee on enrolment of civil servants

 

By Okon Okon

The Federal Government on Monday set up the committee on enrolment of “Newly Recruited Civil Servants” on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), made the announcement  in a statement by Mr AbdulGaniyu Aminu, Director Press and Public Relations, office of the HOCSF.

Yemi-Esan said the inauguration of such committee became necessary to stem wanton impunity, sharp practices and fraud.

According to her, it will also  address irregularities in the recruitment of officers by Ministries, Extra- Ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“It is disheartening that a large number of fake appointment letters were being discovered in some ministries.

“Such situation, if not properly addressed would lead to the denial of employment to a great number of prospective and eligible law-abiding job seekers in the country.

“The office of the HOCSF is already collaborating with security agencies to investigate and bring to book those behind this fraud,” she said.

Yemi-Esan, however, expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the support given to her for the implementation of the Human Resource (HR) module of the IPPIS.

She added that her office was committed to a transparent, accountable and uncompromised IPPIS platform that would rid the system of ghost workers, reduce personnel cost and enhance economic planning.

Yemi-Esan further enjoined members of the committee to view the assignment as a matter of national importance, which demanded their wealth of experience and hard work in ensuring a reliable and credible IPPIS platform.

In his response, the Chairman of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Career Management, office of the HOCSF, Mr Mamman Mahmuda, said the committee would carry out the assignment with all sense of responsibility, with a view to achieving the civil service that would be the pride of all.

The committee’s terms of reference are to identify the challenges associated with the old process to guide the new process, examining the new processes of enrolling newly recruited officers on the IPPIS platform.

Others are identifying the benefits derivable from the new process including cost saving, where possible, initiating the process of enrolling new employees on the IPPIS platform guided by the new procedure.

It is also to treat and capture all backlogs of newly recruited officers based on the new procedure, subject to authentication of appointment letters, approved waivers; financial clearance and Federal Character Commission Compliance Certificate, where applicable among others. (NAN)

General News

KNSG promotes 130 senior civil servants

Aisha Ahmed

Kano State Civil Service Commission has approved the promotion of 130 senior civil servants and resolved three disciplinary cases in the state, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The commission’s Chairman Engr. Bello Kiru, announced the promotion on Thursday in Kano, shortly after the routine meeting of the commission which focused on senior staff promotion.

Kiru explained that the three disciplinary cases were resolved based on the civil service rules.

The chairman charged the promoted staff to reciprocate the gesture by dedicating themselves to their duties.

“We owe a responsibility to government because it never relents to workers’ welfare and benefit,” he remarked.

He also said the commission was committed to improving on staff promotion, recruitment, transfer of service, retirement and discipline, where necessary.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the commission, Salisu Gabasawa, commended members of the commission for exhibiting intellectualism which, he said, had yielded positive outcomes. (NAN)

General News

COVID-19: Kano directs civil servants to stay at home until further notice

By Aisha Ahmed
The Kano state government has directed all civil servants to stay at home from Tuesday, until further notice, following the increase in cases of COVID-19 in the country.

The directive is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Muhammad Garba.

The state government also imposed a fresh ban on the activities of viewing and event centres across the state.

Garba, however, explained that workers on essential services such as healthcare service providers, fire service, water board, teaching staff, security guards and the media were exempted from the order.

The commissioner reaffirmed government’s commitment to work with relevant stakeholders, including Islamic scholars and traditional rulers to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 Protocols.

The state government further warned that security agents would not hesitate to take stern measures to ensure compliance with the directive.

NAN reports the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that Kano recorded 26 new cases on Monday, bringing the total to 2,617.

The centre also said that Kano reported 70 deaths while 2,214 cases were discharged.