By Hillary Asemota
The Head of Service (HoS) of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, has charged Directors of Human Resources on the imperative of mandatory training programmes on the revised 2023 Public Service Rules (PSR) for officers in the Ministries.
The training, she said will enable them keep abreast with the updated rules and policies in the service.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategy Office (SPSO), Dr. Deborah Odoh, in the Office of the Head of Service, the HoS, spoke at a One-Day Sensitization Workshop on the revised 2023 Public Service Rules which she said is very fundamental to the functioning of the public institutions in Nigeria.
The HoS, said: “As you are aware, the revised Public Service Rules which was unveiled on 27th July 2023, serves as the backbone of our administrative framework, guiding the conduct and responsibilities of those entrusted with serving the public.
“These rules are not merely a set of regulations, but a commitment to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in all our endeavours.
“The idea to hold a service-wide workshop on the revised Public Service Rules was conceived immediately after the approval of the 2021 PSR by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on the 27th of September 2021.”
According to her, the planning of the workshop had gone on under the supervision of my predecessors but has now come to fruition today.
She said, this is the first in a series of sensitization workshops that is being planned as the next phase of the sensitization will include non-core MDAs.
“At their core, the Public Service Rules embody the notion of public trust.
“As stewards of taxpayer resources and representatives of the people, public servants have a solemn duty to act in the best interests of the communities they serve.
“These rules provide the framework through which this duty is fulfilled, ensuring that decisions are made with integrity and fairness.
“Moreover, Public Service Rules foster a culture of professionalism and excellence within our institutions.” She added.
By setting standards for recruitment, promotion, and conduct, the HoS, added that they ensure that those who enter public service are qualified, competent, and dedicated to the public good.
The HoS, added that through continuous training and development, the Service strives to equip its workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the evolving needs of our society.
This programme, she added is in line with the central goal of the present Administration to bring about effective administration and service delivery in the public service as a means to achieve Government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, sustainable governance, adherence to law and order and capacity building in the Public Service.
“Having these goals at the back of our minds, our responsibility now rests on positioning ourselves at a level in which we can offer this administration total support and loyalty while deploying our professionalism and the knowledge gained in this training workshop for the interest and progress of the entire nation.
“These can only be achieved through having a good understanding, correct interpretation, fair, and just application of the Public Service Rules and other extant rules and regulations guiding the Service.
“This will make them well-informed civil servants and enhance their capability to carry out their duties for the progress of the service and the nation.” She said.
