Jonathan declares open Civil Service Conference in Sokoto

By Sidi A. Umar

The 42nd annual conference of Civil Service Commissions across the country has commenced in Sokoto.
Declaring the conference open, President Goodluck Jonathan said his government had, in the pursuit of its desire to deliver the dividends of democracy, taken a giant step to ensure that ministers sign Performance Contracts showing clear and accessible indicators for measuring their performances.
He said the aim was to compel those in position of authority to render account of their stewardship.
Jonathan, who was represented by Head of the Federal Civil Service, Alhaji Bukar Boni Aji, said he noted that the Federal Civil Service Commission had aligned  itself with goals and objectives of government.

He also said the commission had proposed its performance indicators by introducing Automated Performance Appraisal System AUTOPAS and Structured Mandatory Training Programme SMTP.
Jonathan said he had directed the National Planning Commission (NPC),  Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) and Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to work together and institutionalise the application of Performance Management System.
He charged the commission to live up its responsibility of enhancing meritocracy, integrity, efficiency anonymity, political neutrality, impartiality, professionalism and  discipline in the civil service.

Also speaking, the governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Aliyu Magatakardan Wamakko, expressed hope that the conference’s deliberations would focus on critical issues that could stimulate growth and development.
The governor, who was represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Bature Shikafi lso, said the conference was expected to provide the right guidance in policy initiation and formulation.
He said there was need to re-orient the country’s work force towards fast tracking processes to achieve concrete outcome that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
Also, in his speech, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Chief DNS J.O. Ayo, said the conference “is an annual event which provides opportunity for the federal civil service commission nd its sisters at state level to interact, exchange ideas and brainstorm on issues affecting the smooth running of the commission.