In a bid to accelerate economic growth and development in Nigeria, the Federal Government has urged public servants to embrace digitization and innovation as key drivers in improving service delivery and implementing government policies effectively.
The call was made during a town hall meeting held at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja.
Addressing staff at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, stressed the importance of leveraging technology and adopting modern work ethics to enhance productivity, efficiency, and transparency in public service.
According to her, civil servants must adapt to the global digital transformation to ensure Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.
“Digitization and innovation are critical to improving our service delivery, and we must all be on board to ensure the full implementation of the Federal Government’s policies and programmes aimed at boosting the socio-economic development of our nation,” Mrs Jafiya stated.
She assured the staff that the Ministry was committed to providing the necessary training and support to facilitate a smooth transition to digital processes and innovative work practices.
She emphasized that a conducive work environment would be created within the available resources to ensure the effective realization of the government’s policy objectives.
While the town hall meeting was initially to be chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, the Permanent Secretary represented him due to other state functions.
Mrs. Jafiya conveyed Mr. Edun’s message, emphasizing the role 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 also commended the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Head of Service, Mrs Esther Walson-Jack, for their unwavering commitment to driving the digitization of the Federal Public Service for improved service delivery, as well as economic growth and development.
Mrs. Jafiya further highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to staff development, prioritizing welfare, capacity training, and creating a supportive work environment.
“Staff development, recognition, and reward of outstanding performances are central to our vision, and we are committed to enhancing the overall work experience for our employees,” she said.
“Under the leadership of the Honourable 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,” Mrs. Jafiya added.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Joint Union, Mr Abubakar Nuhu, commended the Permanent Secretary for initiating the town hall meeting.
He stressed the importance of regular interaction between management and staff and highlighted the Union’s role in advocating for staff welfare and training.
“We are committed to collaborating with management to ensure that our members’ welfare is prioritized and that training opportunities are available for capacity building,” Mr Nuhu said.
