…45TH NCEs: HoS urges states’ civil service to key into ongoing public reforms
By Dele Ogbodo
The National Council on Establishments (NCEs) has has rejected outrightly the request for upward review of retirement age for public servants from 35 to 40 years and from 60 to 65 years.
The Council made the disclosure at its 45the meeting in Bauchi, Bauchi State, noted that the review is contrary to national aspiration, youth empowerment, and innovation adding that it is not in tandem with the reality of the country’s population dynamics.
It strongly advised all tiers of government to check the demand for the upward age review.
However, it noted that the option of contract appointment exists and should be explored where necessary to bridge skills gaps as a result of retirement.
In her keynote address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, expressed gratitude to the Governor of Bauchi State, Mr. Bala Mohammed for accepting to host the meeting in the state.
She reiterated the pivotal role of the Council on as an appropriate framework for managing the careers of Public/Civil Servants and ensuring improved productivity. She highlighted key areas in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP25) which include Capacity Building, IPPIS-Human Resource Module, Digitalization through Enterprise Content Management and Performance Management System. She urged States’ Civil Service to key into the Reforms and advocated active collaboration with the private sector for the successful implementation of the Reforms.
The Meeting was declared open by the Governor and in attendance were members of the Council drawn from 29 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, relevant Federal and States Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Professional Bodies.
Bauchi State, Head of Service, Mr. Yahuza Haruna, while welcoming Council members and participants to Bauchi State, the state’s Head of Service, Mr. Yahuza Haruna, said the meeting was the first of its kind in the State.
He assured delegates that Bauchi is enjoying peace, safety and security as a result of the purposeful leadership, foresight and commitment of the Governor to citizens’ welfare and in particular the Civil Servants.
In a remark, the Governor affirmed the State Government’s resolve at improving the productivity of Civil Servants through enhanced working conditions, expanded workforce, and various reform initiatives.
He urged NCEs to evolve enduring strategies that will enhance the service at all levels of government in the federation.
The climax of the meeting was the deliberation 26 Memoranda and made recommendations to Council on same.
Council therefore approved: i. “Integration of the National Skills Qualification (NSQ), Levels 1 to 5 in the Schemes of Service, ii. Professionalization of the Human Resource Practice in the Public Service, iii. Creation of Information and Public Relations Officer Cadre structured on SGL. 08-17 and Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations) Cadre structured on SGL. 06-14, in the Schemes of Service.
“That a retreat for Heads of Service to cross fertilize ideas, peer review will hold once a year in the first quarter and that the 46th National Council on Establishments meeting will hold in Osogbo, Osun State in 2024.
Council for the umpteenth time rejected out rightly, the request for upward review of retirement age for Public Servants to 40 years’ of service or 65 years of age; as it is contrary to national aspiration of renewal, youth empowerment, innovation and also not in tandem with the reality of our population dynamics. It strongly advised all tiers of government to check the demand. However, it noted that the option of contract appointment exists and should be explored where necessary to bridge skills gaps as a result of retirement.
10. It also resolved that: “The Standing Committee should undertake a holistic evaluation of requests for enhanced entry points and report back at the 46th NCE Meeting.
“The Secretariat should reiterate to all MDAs the stringent criteria for enhanced entry point as approved by the 42nd NCE held in Lagos to stem frivolous requests.
“Council also appreciated the renewed commitment of government to the welfare of Public Servants and urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to be more proactive on training and welfare matters without waiting for the Labour Unions to champion the demands.”
The Council applauded the Head of the Civil Service for her exemplary leadership in steering the reforms and the laudable additions to the revised public service rules in the federal service.