The permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Monilola Udoh has emphasised the importance of the Performance Management System (PMS) as a crucial pillar in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation’s Service reform initiative.
The PMS was introduced to improve the output of ministries, extra-ministerial offices and other agencies of the Federal Government.
Udoh spoke at the PMS affirmative signing ceremony held in her office in Abuja, where the ministry pledged to commence the application of the new PMS.
The PS noted that the PMS is a tool designed to deliver efficient civil service and hold staff accountable in the first quarter of 2023. The development and implementation of the Individual Performance Management System by the ministry set the tone for putting in place a mechanism for good governance and accountability.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation mandated all permanent secretaries to begin the implementation of the individual performance management systems (PMS). Performance management has been at the centre of government reforms, as an integral modern tool for planning, management, budgeting and improving accountability. The initiation of performance management in the public sector in Nigeria is key to the realization of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), which has put in place a mechanism and framework for the actualisation of ‘Pillar Four’ (Civil Service Administration Reform) of the National Strategy for Public Sector Reform (NSPSR).
“The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI)’s mission,” Udoh said, “is to facilitate the development and deployment of science and technology apparatus, to enhance the pace of socio-economic development of the country, through appropriate technological inputs into productive activities in the nation. We thought it was an opportunity for us to spearhead the process.
“We are here in compliance with the Head of Civil Service’s directive to sign up performance management system contract in the ministry to signify the implementation of PMS.”
The permanent secretary noted that the ministry has keyed into the performance management reform initiative in its effort to reposition the ministry as the foremost institution of government in research and development. The FMSTI’s institutional strengthening reforms focus on ensuring accountability, efficiency, and effective in-service delivery. This initiative in practical terms was kicked off with the development and implementation of the employee individual performance management system for the ministry.
In its effort to reposition the ministry as the foremost institution of government in research and development, the FMSTI institutional strengthening reforms is focusing on ensuring accountability, efficiency, and effective in-service delivery. Udoh explained that the training programme for staff was put in place to develop individual key result areas, job objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets. The programme included a comprehensive one-day training workshop across all the various grade levels and about 500 FMSTI staff participated in the training.
To ensure the effective implementation of the performance management system for the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (FMSTI), Frandek International Consulting Limited was commissioned to develop and implement the individual performance management system and IT solution for the ministry. The consultant applauded the initiative, adding that it is the first of its kind in the Nigerian public service. The implementation team was trained to handle the administrative and management roles of the FMSTI PMS in readiness for the January to December 2023 appraisal cycle.
In conclusion, the implementation of the PMS is a significant step towards improving accountability and efficiency in the Nigerian Civil Service. The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation’s commitment to the implementation of the individual performance management system sets the tone for good governance and accountability in the country. The success of the PMS will depend on the effective training of staff and the use of modern tools and techniques to enhance the Civil Service’s output.
Itís hard to come by well-informed people in this particular topic, but you sound like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks