Abuja, Nigeria – The Performance Management Contract was signed by the committed and hardworking Permanent Secretaries of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), as a significant step toward improving service delivery and raising performance standards. The Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP–25), which focuses on performance management systems, is in line with this initiative’s second pillar. With the intention of improving service delivery and raising performance standards in the Federal Civil Service, the Performance Management Contract is a formal agreement that specifies the signatories’ performance expectations, goals, and responsibilities.

A huge step toward raising performance standards and service delivery in the Federal Civil Service was taken at the signing ceremony on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. During the signing ceremony, Mrs. Walson-Jack emphasized that the PMS is a strategic tool that helps Federal Civil Servants set measurable goals and objectives. “By setting measurable goals and objectives, this initiative aims to improve the caliber of public service,” the speaker said.

She went on to say that signing the Performance Management Contract represents a solemn commitment to excellence and good governance, and she urged Permanent Secretaries to see this initiative as a catalyst for real and meaningful change in the Federal Civil Service. “Your commitment is critical to the success of this initiative and will drive the successful implementation of the PMS across all OHCSF Departments,” she added.

The Head of Service described the Employee Performance Management System (EPMS)’s benefits, which include improved communication between supervisors and subordinates, better human resource decisions, stronger working relationships, and significantly increased productivity and service delivery to citizens. These advantages promise a more efficient and effective Federal Civil Service, instilling confidence and hope for the future.

Mr. Raymond Omachi, Permanent Secretary of the Common Services Office at the OHCSF, spoke on behalf of his colleagues, describing the signing of the Performance Contract as a critical step toward increasing efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the Federal Civil Service. He urged all stakeholders to actively support this initiative: “The PMS is more than just a tool; it is a commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and the achievement of the Federal Government’s core goals. We strongly encourage you to participate in and actively support this initiative to ensure its success.”

The implementation of the PMS is expected to spread to other employees at OHCSF. Directors and Departmental PMS champions will play an important and valued role in this process, ensuring a performance-driven culture throughout the Federal Civil Service. Their responsibilities will include evaluating employees’ performance, providing necessary training and support, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, all of which will contribute to the PMS’s successful implementation.

Mr Raymond of the Common Services Office, Dr Deborah Odoh of the Service Policy and Strategies Office, and Mrs Fatima Mahmood of the Career Management Office were among the Permanent Secretaries who signed. Others included Directors Dr. Comfort Adeosun, who oversaw the Service Welfare Office, and Mrs. Agalasi Ehigie, who oversaw the Special Duties Office.