Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the harmonisation of structures and salaries across Nigeria’s federal and state civil services, saying a uniform system would help address disparities across the public service.
Jonathan made the call on Friday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while speaking at the foundation-laying and fundraising ceremony for the Bayelsa State Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries’ Secretariat Complex. He also commended the retired permanent secretaries for the initiative, saying the quality of personnel in the Bayelsa public service compares favourably with their counterparts at the federal level.
The former President recalled that while serving as Governor of Bayelsa State, he restructured the state civil service by introducing Grade Level 17 for directors, who previously retired at Level 16.
Jonathan said the proposed secretariat would benefit both retired permanent secretaries and the wider public, while stressing the need for similar civil service structures across the country.
The Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, represented by the Head of Service, Mr Ebiye Sawyer, pledged the state government’s support for the project and praised the retired officials for their vision and commitment.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, King Collins Daniel, described the proposed complex as an institutional edifice that would preserve the legacy of public service.
Daniel said the complex would include administrative offices, event halls, conference rooms and recreational facilities.
According to him, the project is expected to cost N500 million and will be completed within two years.
