…Perm Sec charges workers to uphold highest standards of discipline
By Hillary Asemota
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun weekend hosted a high-level delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), led by its CEO, Mr. Sultan Al-Marshad.
The meeting, which took place in his office in Abuja, also featured the presence of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Faisal Alghamdi, Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has called on workers to always exhibit the highest standards of accountability, loyalty, and discipline in the conduct of government businesses.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya made the call today in her office in Abuja when she presided over the Ministry’s Senior Management Meeting (SMM).
The discussions focused on key areas of economic collaboration, including industrial development, renewable energy, and infrastructure investments aimed at driving economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
We have laid a strong foundation for collaboration, and over the next six months, we expect to make significant progress on our first joint infrastructure project, HM Edun stated.
He praised Saudi Arabia’s impressive economic achievements under its Vision 2030 initiative, particularly in the tourism and infrastructure sectors.
The Minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to similar ambitious reforms under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at creating a stable investment climate conducive to both domestic and foreign investments.
He stated that the visit marks an important milestone in efforts to foster sustainable development between the two nations, adding: “We are confident that through strategic planning and visionary leadership, we will achieve mutual prosperity.” Edun said.
In a remark, Sultan Al-Marshad reiterated Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering economic collaboration, confirming that the SFD is prepared to finance major infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
He also proposed the appointment of a designated Nigerian counterpart to streamline project prioritization and communication for efficient execution.
The meeting highlights a renewed commitment by both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to advance sustainable development and economic growth through strategic partnerships and shared priorities.
It is imperative to note that this meeting marks the beginning of a new era of economic cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, especially as both countries are committed to working together to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and create jobs.
With this commitment, Nigerians are hopeful to see the tangible results of this partnership in the months and years to come.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has called on workers to always exhibit the highest standards of accountability, loyalty, and discipline in the conduct of government businesses.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Jafiya made the call today in her office in Abuja when she presided over the Ministry’s Senior Management Meeting (SMM).
Jafiya, expressed concern about staff insubordination and other acts of indiscipline and urged all staff members to adhere strictly to the Public Service Rules as well as other extant regulations in the cause of their duties. She emphasized that adherence to extant rules and regulations is crucial for the effective and efficient delivery of the Ministry’s mandate.
Jafiya, also observed that recent developments have shown that some staff operate without adhering to the civil service hierarchy, which she noted is unacceptable. The Permanent Secretary reminded staff that the Public Service is an institution of government that is guided by extant rules which every Public Servant is expected to abide by in the cause of their duties.
To address this, she said the Ministry will be strengthening its Performance Management System (PMS) to evaluate staff performance and promote a culture of excellence.
The PMS will also be used to identify and address instances of indiscipline and non-compliance with extant rules and regulations, she added.
Failure to comply with the Public Service Rules and other extant regulations she explained.
“Will result in appropriate disciplinary actions, including but not limited to queries, warnings, and in severe cases, dismissal from service.” She added.
The Permanent Secretary commended the Ministers for their sterling leadership.
She called on the Senior Management Staff to ensure the Ministry remains Nigeria’s number one Service Delivery Ministry through proper management of the nation’s finances in an open, transparent, accountable and efficient manner that delivers on the country’s development priorities, while also ensuring the provision of enabling environment in order to achieve the policy objectives of government.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr. Raymond Omachi highlighted the importance of the Performance Management System in evaluating staff performance and promoting a culture of excellence within the Ministry.
