President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the establishment of a Civil Service Commission for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in order to facilitate career progression for civil servants in the FCT Administration. This announcement was made by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
According to Mr. Wike, in 2018, the National Assembly passed a bill for the creation of the Civil Service Commission for the FCT, a bill that was subsequently assented to by the then-acting President Yemi Osibanjo.
Mr. Wike acknowledged that the absence of a Civil Service Commission was causing frustration among civil servants in the FCT Administration, as it hindered their ability to reach the pinnacle of their careers. He further explained that although the law for the establishment of the commission had already been signed, it had yet to be implemented due to various reasons.
He mentioned that some individuals were reluctant to implement the law out of fear of criticism, while others feared that it would undermine their power and influence. Importantly, the minister admitted that he was unaware of the existence of the law until recently.
Consequently, Mr. Wike submitted a memo to President Tinubu highlighting the dire situation faced by civil servants in the FCT and emphasizing the need to enforce the 2018 law passed by the National Assembly. He urged President Tinubu to uphold his renewed hope agenda and address the suffering of civil servants who had lost hope due to the lack of career progression opportunities.
In response to Mr. Wike’s memo and after careful consideration, President Tinubu approved the establishment of the Civil Service Commission for the FCTA. This decision opens up new prospects for civil servants and allows them to aspire to become Permanent Secretaries, thus aligning with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
Expressing gratitude towards President Tinubu, Mr. Wike urged civil servants in the FCTA to appreciate the significant consideration given to their plight after years of waiting for this breakthrough. He also highlighted the reason for his collaboration with President Tinubu, citing his capacity and political resolve to undertake groundbreaking initiatives that others may shy away from.
Mr. Wike emphasized the importance of leadership in tackling the country’s challenges and stressed the need for individuals to be courageous in doing what is right for the collective interest of Nigerians.
The establishment of the Civil Service Commission for the FCT marks a positive step towards addressing the career development needs of civil servants in the FCT Administration and is a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to bringing about positive change in Nigeria.
NAN
