The Federal Government has advised Permanent Secretaries to adhere strictly to the Public Service Culture that enshrines discipline, due process, and code of ethics in the conduct of Government business.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer, Babachir David Lawal gave the advice today in Abuja at the opening of a one day retreat for the Federal Permanent Secretaries.
He said that Permanent Secretaries are expected to serve as think tank to the Honourable Ministers and as advisers on policy matters without compromising extant Rules and Regulations.
Engineer Babachir reiterated that the theme of the retreat which is, “The Change Agenda (Precept to Practice) – Role of Permanent Secretaries”’ has captured the policy direction of this Administration. He reminded the Permanent Secretaries as Accounting Officers of their respective ministries of their primary roles as drivers of change through instrumentality of Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations and other extant regulating instruments to ensure that the “Change” Agenda moves from precept to practice in terms of financial prudence, transparency and discipline in service delivery.
Earlier in her address, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, advised the Permanent Secretaries to shun all acts of corruption and ensure that their management of resources is strictly in accordance with the rules. Mr. President’s body language in this regard she said is clear to everyone and that anyone found wanting should not expect any protection.
According to her, the events of the past few weeks are proof of the fact that the present administration is very serious about the change ideology which all of us are called to embrace.
She said that the dwindling resources available to the Government which is occasioned by the down turn in the prices of petroleum products has made it imperative for the diversification of our economy that is one of the cardinal programmes of this administration. “It calls for attitudinal change on all of us public servants.”
Mrs. Oyo-Ita said further that the Permanent Secretary must be an EPIC Civil Servant. E- For Efficient, P- For Productive, I- For Incorruptible; and C- For Citizen-Centered- (EPIC).
SIGNED
Mohammed Manga
Assistant Director (Media Relations)
For: Acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation
