President Jonathan describes Federal Civil Service as a tool for transformation.

[FMINigeria]

                        The Federal Government has said that the Federal Civil Service is a critical vehicle in the efforts to transform the country.

While speaking at the Dinner/Award night to mark this year's Civil Service Week, held at the State House, Abuja, President Goodluck Jonathan commended the theme for the weeklong celebration: "African public service in the age of open government: giving voice to citizens", saying he was aware that "The Federal Civil Service is the critical vehicle in our efforts to transform Nigeria", but advised that "The Service must first transform itself in order to be able to achieve that role."

President Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, said, "It is imperative that the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, which is the pinnacle of the management structure of the Federal Civil Service, is set in the right direction, if it is to set the right pace, tone and direction for the entire Service."

In order to be in line with the global best practice to enable the Service provide world-class services as well as serve as a model to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Jonathan said, the Federal Government has restructured the Civil Service to achieve this.

He assured that Government was committed to building the competence and efficiency of the Nigerian Civil Service, particularly to strengthen its sense of responsibility and obligation to serve the citizens with absolute commitment.

The President also stressed the need to check the rot and compelling unethical practices in the Service and urged that, "It is imperative to clean up the Service of those found to be bringing dishonour to it, if we are to achieve high levels of responsiveness in meeting the needs of the people and the commitment to zero-tolerance policy on corruption."

Jonathan commended the Head of Civil Service of the Federation for organizing the event and honouring and rewarding the retired Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Sali Isa Bello and some of the retired Permanent Secretaries as well as serving officers, adding that he should not relent in his efforts to continue in the spirit of distinctive and rewarding service for excellence and higher productivity.

In his welcome remark, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji said, the Federal Civil Service has enormous responsibility on its shoulders and therefore, it behoves it to be responsive and proactive in the discharge of its duty, hence the need for reforms.

Aji said, the award was in three categories namely, "A", Distinguished public service Award for the retired Head of Civil Service of the Federation; "B", the Distinguished public service career Award for the retired Permanent Secretaries and "C", the Head of Civil Service of the Federation Commendation for Service Award.

The retired Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, who responded on behalf of other awardees, thanked the Federal Government and Head of Civil Service of the Federation for the gesture and pledged to still continue to contributing their quota, even in retirement, to the development of the country.

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Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria

[Shola Sholaz]

Transformation has to take place as soon as possible for things to really improve. Our leaders must be more dedicated.