State House Embraces Performance Contracts in Push for a Reformed, Accountable Civil Service
Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move signaling the deepening of civil service reforms under the Tinubu administration, the State House has formally adopted a performance-based management system, binding its senior staff to clear, measurable targets.
The initiative culminated in a signing ceremony where the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, formalized performance contracts with directors across various departments. This event marked the conclusion of a three-day management retreat focused on building a “responsive and high-performance workforce.”
Beyond Symbolism: A Binding Commitment to Deliver
In his address, Fashedemi moved to dispel any notion that the contracts were merely ceremonial. He framed them as a “solemn pledge” and a “binding professional commitment” that aligns directly with President Tinubu’s vision for a productive and transparent public service.
“This is part of the reforms underway in the Federal Civil Service. Eventually, it will extend to the broader public service,” Fashedemi stated, as reported in an official release. “The State House is simply doing its part… to ensure our performance is measured.”
How the Performance Management System Works
The newly implemented system is designed to create a framework of mutual accountability. According to Fashedemi’s explanation, the process involves:
- Clear Target Setting: Staff, starting from the director level, have explicit targets outlining what is expected of them and the timeline for delivery.
- Mutual Agreement: The contract represents an agreement between staff and their supervisors on duties and objectives.
- Cyclical Review: At the end of an evaluation period, both parties meet to review achievements, identify gaps, and assess performance against the agreed-upon tasks.
Fashedemi emphasized that the recent retreat served as a critical training and awareness exercise to assure staff that the system is intended to “make work easier” by providing clarity, not to add bureaucratic burdens.
The Bigger Picture: A National Shift Towards a Results-Driven Culture
This move by the State House is not an isolated event but a localized implementation of a broader federal agenda. For years, successive Nigerian governments have grappled with reforming a civil service often criticized for inefficiency and a lack of accountability.
The introduction of a formal Performance Management System (PMS) represents a tangible step towards instilling a results-driven culture. By starting at the very heart of the executive branch—the State House—the administration is sending a strong signal about its commitment to leading by example.
The success of this initiative will be closely watched. If effectively implemented, it could serve as a replicable model for other ministries and departments, potentially transforming the operational ethos of the entire federal bureaucracy. The key challenge will be ensuring consistent enforcement and linking performance to tangible consequences and rewards, thereby moving beyond paperwork to genuine productivity gains.
As Fashedemi concluded, the ultimate goal is for the entire workforce to “collectively embrace a culture of efficiency, integrity, and timely delivery.” The performance contracts are now the official mechanism to make that goal a measurable reality.
Source: This report is based on information from the original article published by The Nation Online.