Editor
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom mni, has urged Directors/Heads of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to take ownership of promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in their day-to-day operations as pivotal drivers of government reforms.
She added that their commitment, foresight, and strategic direction will shape the future trajectory of the Civil Service.
This assertion was articulated at the Bi-monthly Consultative Forum for Directors/Heads of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement with the Service Policies and Strategies Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on the 29th of July 2024, at the National Hospital, Abuja.
Daju recalled that reform initiatives, spearheaded by the OHCSF, notably the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP -25), have played a crucial role in molding the future of the Nigerian Public Service.
She lauded the dedication of the Directors in revolutionizing operations, urging them to persist in spearheading reforms within their respective MDAs, notwithstanding the prevailing challenges.
“As we collaborate to implement the FCSSIP-25 and other government reforms, I encourage everyone to exchange experiences, obstacles, and best practices. Through mutual learning and support, we can enhance our pursuit of excellence, as our collective endeavors will undoubtedly result in enhanced service delivery and a more streamlined public service,” the Permanent Secretary conveyed optimistically.
Furthermore, she advocated for a cultural shift within the Civil Service to facilitate effective reforms, transitioning from mere structural adjustments to a transformation in mindset and conduct at all levels, emphasizing that this cultural metamorphosis demands robust leadership, unwavering dedication, and a unified vision of excellence.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, and the Ministry’s Management team have pledged to elevate the Nigerian Health Sector into a world-class institution, offering services to all citizens impartially, through the execution of reform initiatives.
In her inaugural address, the Permanent Secretary of the Service Policies and Strategies Office (OHCSF), Dr. Deborah O.N. Odoh, underscored the necessity for forum participants to leverage the opportunity to exchange ideas, advice, and mutual learning, underscoring that the success of the Federal Civil Service Strategy Implementation Plan (FCSSIP -25) rests and hinges on the Directors, SERVICOM, and all stakeholders.
While elucidating that the reform comprises six pillars, one of which is the bi-monthly meeting that has been convened successfully and promptly, the Permanent Secretary (SPSO) urged them to ensure prompt implementation of the FCSSIP-25 reform as they play a pivotal role in that direction.
Dr. Deborah further implored other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to emulate the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in formulating and executing the Service Charter.
She expressed satisfaction that the service delivery performance of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has surged from 40% to 80% as evidenced in the quarterly assessment of FCSSIP-25 Performance Tracking by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). This, she noted, signifies the Ministry’s dedication to providing quality services and catering to the needs of Nigerians.
The Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Oputa Ifeoma, disclosed that the Ministry has aligned its policies, strategies, and service delivery mechanism with the fundamental objectives of the Reform Agenda.
She cited the establishment of the Ministry’s Performance Management System (MPMS), wherein all Directors pledged their Performance Bond with the Coordinating Minister of Health, Minister of State, and the Permanent Secretary as a case in point.
She added that the Ministry has initiated the process of disseminating the Performance Management System of the Agencies and Parastatals under its purview, underscoring that the mandate of public servants is to deliver top-notch services that cater to the citizens’ needs.
Mrs. Oputa commended the substantial support from the Permanent Secretary of Health, which she deemed instrumental in shaping the FCSSIP-25 implementation in the Ministry. She urged the participants to exhibit boldness in their thinking, be relentless and innovative in their approach to attaining excellence, and rise to the occasion to deliver.
In delivering her goodwill message and unveiling the Service Charter of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Coordinator of SERVICOM Presidency, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli, articulated that the official launch marks a significant stride towards service enhancement in the Ministry, encouraging other MDAs to emulate this initiative.
