By Daniel Peters
In its determination to improve economic growth and development in Nigeria, the Federal Government has called on workers to embrace digitization
and innovation in their workplaces as key drivers in the promotion of service delivery as well as effective implementation of government policies and programmes.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and adopting modern work ethics to enhance productivity, efficiency, and transparency.
She stated that the
world has gone digital, and as such, civil servants must not be left behind in the global transformation.
“Digitization and innovation are critical to improving our service delivery, and we must all be on board so as to ensure full implementation of the policies and programmes of the Federal Government aimed at boosting socio-economic development of our nation”, Mrs. Jafiya stated.
The Permanent Secretary assured staff that the Ministry was determined to provide the necessary training and support as well as conducive work environment within the limited resources
to ensure a seamless transition to digital processes and innovative work practices for effective realization of the policy objectives of government.
She noted that the town hall meeting with staff was to be chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, but for the exigencies of other state functions, the Minister has directed that I should stand in for him, “he has also emphasized the importance of digitization and innovation in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration”
Quoting the Minister, Mrs Jafiya said, “We are committed to creating a digital economy that works for all Nigerians, our workers are key to achieving this vision, and we urge them to embrace digitization and innovation with enthusiasm”.
The Permanent Secretary commended the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Head of Service, Mrs Esther Walson-Jack in particular, for the unwavering commitment in driving the digitization of the Federal Public Service for improved service delivery as well as economic growth and development of Nigeria.
While commending the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, for his sterling leadership and commitment to capacity building of staff in order to enable for effective coordination of the nation’s economy, Mrs Lydia explained that the town hall meeting was part of the Ministry’s efforts to engage with its workers and ensure a collaborative approach to improving service delivery.
Mrs. Jafiya emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive reforms and enhance service delivery.
She assured staff that their welfare and capacity training would be prioritized and a conducive working environment created to support their operations.
The Permanent Secretary, who applauded the Directors for their tireless efforts in ensuring the realization of the mandate of the Ministry, emphasized the importance of staff development, recognition and reward of outstanding performances while also highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to providing a supportive work environment.
“This town hall meeting marks a significant step towards creating a more supportive and productive work environment in the Ministry of Finance. Under the leadership of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the Ministry is poised to achieve greater heights in service delivery and economic growth”, Jafiya added.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman Joint Union, Mr Abubakar Nuhu, commended the Permanent Secretary for initiating the town hall meeting, stressing the need for regular interactions between management and staff.
He also highlighted the Union’s role in advocating for staff welfare and training, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between it and the Management.
The Ministry’s Director of Human Resources, Mrs Olusola Dada, while delivering the vote of thanks also pledged the staff’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that they key into the policy of digitization in order to ensure the realization of the mandate of the Ministry.
She thanked Mr Wale Edun and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya for graciously approving the town hall meeting with the staff.
The town hall meeting, held at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja
brought together staff from various departments to discuss pressing matters related to their welfare and training.
Key issues discussed during the meeting included staff training and development programs, promotion and career advancement opportunities, welfare packages as well as initiatives to enhance their overall work experience.
The meeting marked a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment in the Ministry of Finance. By prioritizing staff welfare and training, the Permanent Secretary has demonstrated a commitment to empowering staff to deliver their best.
As the Ministry continues to work towards achieving its goals, the importance of a motivated and skilled workforce can not be overstated.
Our Correspondent reports that with open communication channels and a willingness to address staff concerns, the Ministry is poised for greater success in the years to come.
