COVID-19: Work from home directive to workers below Level 12 to end soon – SGF

The Nigerian Government says the work from home directive to public servants from below Grade Level 12 will end soon.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha announced this in Abuja, the nation’s capital at the commemoration of the 2021 United Nations’ Public Service Day.

The Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in the country had ordered Public Servants on grade level 12 and below to work from home to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary General Services, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Nnamdi Mberi, the SGf said contributions of Public Service in promoting sustainable and equitable economic growth are receiving increasing attention globally.

According to him, efficient and effective management of the Public Service are critical to the sustainable socio-economic development of nations.

“You will all agree with me that the COVID 19 Pandemic has challenged everyone, including governance and its operation. Nevertheless, the Federal Government is committed to building a Public Service that is capable, efficient, open, inclusive, and accountable institutions, which are critical for sustainable growth and inclusive national development after COVID-19.

“The Federal Government’s E-government Master plan currently being implemented is innovation and technology pooled to deliver services. The E-government Master plan is intended to equip public servants with skills necessary to be effective, responsive and relevant in the digital age,“ he said

The SGF noted that notwithstanding Africa’s failure to generate and match the increasing job demand, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms through the National Strategy for Public Service Reforms has the vision to have a world-class public service delivering government policies effectively and implementing programmes with professionalism, integrity, excellence, and passion to secure sustainable national development.

“It is noteworthy that over the years, the Nigerian Public Service has been an integral and key part of Government, living up to expectation as it continues to provide the administrative service of design, formulation and putting government policies into action.

“It is the Public Service that ensures policy continuity and institutional coherence, thereby facilitating rapid attainment of national goals and sustainable development,“ he explained.

Mr Mustapha, therefore, encouraged all Civil and Public Servants to carry out their roles with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values of integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.

According to the Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Ibrahim Arabi, it is expected that the forum would provide the needed platform to convey Government Policies that require the buy-in of critical stakeholders.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Service, Ibrahim Shekarau said that the effectiveness of government is key to good governance.

For his part, the Chairman House Committee on Public service, Sani Bala said the Public service served as a link between the Government and the general public.

He added that the public service makes Government service visible.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Building the Africa We Want, Through Enhancing the Impact and Value of Public Service Organizations to the Society.“

PIAK