The Gombe State Head of Civil Service, Ahmed Abdullahi, on Thursday received in audience the Chairman Honourable Gabriel Galadima Fusison, member representing Kaltungo West, and members of the House of Assembly Standing Committee on Women Affairs, Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that they were in Abdullahi’s office as part of their constitutional responsibilities to perform oversight functions in which the Office of Head of Civil Service falls under the coverage of the Committee.
Abdullahi while welcoming the committee expressed delight for the visit. He thereafter gave an overview of activities of his office, which he says is pivotal in the coordination and implementation of government programmes and policies effectively.
He lauded Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, adding that under the current administration the welfare of civil servants and that of retirees have been prioritised.
“There have been prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities and other allowances, over N13 billion has been paid so far to retirees in the state,” he said.
He also stated that it is on record that over 100 Directors and about 30 Permanent Secretaries were appointed by this present administration and more senior management staff promotions will be effected and announced soon as the process is ongoing at the Civil Service Commission, while assuring of a free and fair process.
He also intimated the Committee that so far in the region, “It is only Gombe State that has proposed the highest amount as minimum wage in the North-East geopolitical zone with a submission of N60,000 to the tripartite Committee which is a strong commitment by His Excellency Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in uplifting the welfare of Civil servants in the state,” he added.
The HoCS also assured the House Committee of his commitment to sustaining the already existing synergy between the Executive and Legislative arm which has fostered development as evidently seen in the state.
He also expressed readiness to provide Budget Performance Documents to the Committee for their scrutiny, mentioning a few challenges which are facing civil servants in the state like a permanent befitting state secretariat to accommodate all Ministries Departments, and Agencies to ease coordination of policies of the government.
Speaking earlier, Fusison, used the medium to appreciate the Head of Civil Service for giving them the opportunity for the visit despite the short notice.
He solicited for synergy to be sustained and reiterated the reason for the familiarisation visit and oversight which is their constitutional responsibility as a means of check and balance on the Executive.
Permanent Secretary Establishment and Service Matters, who also oversees the General Administration Department Alh. Suleiman Abdullahi, Director Administration and Finance office of Head of Civil Service and that of Establishment and Service Matters were in attendance to welcome the Chairman and members of the House Committee.
Amos Pononyamba Fabulous,
Information Officer
Office of Head of Civil Service.
