The 45th National Council on Establishments (NCE) held at the Command Guest House, Bauchi, Bauchi State from Monday, 11th to Wednesday, 13th December, 2023.
- The Meeting was declared open by the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON.In attendance were Members of Council drawn from twenty-nine(29) States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, relevant Federal and States Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Professional Bodies.
- The Head of the Civil Service, Bauchi State, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Haruna, welcomed Council Members and participants to Bauchi State. He noted that the meeting of the National Council on Establishments was the first of its kind in the State. He provided insights into the historical background of the State since its creation in 1976. He assured delegates that Bauchi State is enjoying peace, safety and security as a result of the purposeful leadership, foresight and commitment of the Governor to citizens’ welfare and in particular the Civil Servants.
- In her keynote address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, for accepting to host the meeting in Bauchi State. She reiterated the pivotal role of the National Council on Establishments as an appropriate framework for managing the careers of Public/Civil Servants and ensuring improved productivity. She highlighted key areas in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP25) which include Capacity Building, IPPIS-Human Resource Module, Digitalization through Enterprise Content Management and Performance Management System. She urged States’ Civil Service to key into the Reformsand advocated active collaboration with the private sector for the successful implementation of the Reforms.
- His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed affirmed the State Government’s resolve at improving the productivity of Civil Servants through enhanced working conditions, expanded workforce, and various reform initiatives. He urged the National Council on Establishments to evolve enduring strategies that will enhance the Service at all levels of government in the federation.
- The Council Meeting was preceded by the Meeting of Officials which held on Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th December, 2023. The Committee deliberated on twenty six (26) Memoranda and made recommendations to Council on same.
- The Report of the 44th NCE Meeting and status of implementation of the decisions taken were presented to Council and adopted.
- Council approved:
i. Integration of the National Skills Qualification (NSQ), Levels 1 to 5 in the Schemes of Service;
ii. Professionalization of the Human Resource Practice in the Public Service;
iii. Creation of Information and Public Relations Officer Cadre structured on SGL. 08-17 and Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations) Cadre structured on SGL. 06-14, in the Schemes of Service;
iv. That a retreat for Heads of Service to cross fertilize ideas, peer review will hold once a year in the first quartre; and
v. That the 46th National Council on Establishments meeting will hold in Osogbo, Osun State in 2024.
- Council for the umpteenth time rejected out rightly, the request for upward review of retirement age for Public Servants to 40 years’ of service or 65 years of age; as it is contrary to national aspiration of renewal, youth empowerment, innovation and also not in tandem with the reality of our population dynamics. It strongly advised all tiers of government to check the demand. However, it noted that the option of contract appointment exists and should be explored where necessary to bridge skills gaps as a result of retirement.
- It also resolved that:
i. The Standing Committee should undertake a holistic evaluation of requests for enhanced entry points and report back; at the 46th NCE Meeting; and
ii. The Secretariat should reiterate to all MDAs the stringent criteria for enhanced entry point as approved by the 42nd NCE held in Lagos to stem frivolous requests.
- Council appreciated the renewed commitment of government to the welfare of Public Servants and urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to be more proactive on training and welfare matters without waiting for the Labour Unions to champion the demands.
- Council applauded the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, for her exemplary leadership in steering the reforms and the laudable additions to the Revised Public Service Rules (PSR) in the Federal Public Service.
- Finally, Council expressed its profound appreciation to, the Government and people of Bauchi State, particularly His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, CON, for the exceptional hospitality and efforts towards the successful hosting of the 45th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments.
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