FG Directs MDAs to Adhere Strictly to Revised Public Service Rules

Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to strictly adhere to the revised Public Service Rules (PSR) in order to enhance principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the civil service.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, gave the directive on Wednesday in Abuja at a one-day sensitization workshop on the revised 2021 Public Service Rules.

Yemi-Esan who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr Deborah Odoh, stressed the importance of revised public service rules, saying “These rules are not merely a set of regulations, but a commitment to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in all our endeavours.”

She underscored the pivotal role of the revised Public Service Rules, unveiled on July 27, 2023, in shaping the administrative landscape and guiding the conduct of public servants.

The Head of Service called on the directors of human resources to organise mandatory training and retraining programs to ensure officers stay updated with the revised rules and policies.

She expressed delight at their dedication to efficient Human Resource Management and wished them success in their roles.

She said: “The idea to hold a service-wide workshop on the revised Public Service Rules was conceived immediately after the approval of the 2021 P.S.R by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on the 27th of September 2021. The planning of the workshop had gone on under the supervision of my predecessors but has now come to fruition today. This is the first in a series of sensitisation workshops that is being planned as the next phase of the sensitization will include non-core MDAs.

“At their core, the Public Service Rules embody the notion of public trust. As stewards of taxpayer resources and representatives of the people, public servants have a solemn duty to act in the best interests of the communities they serve.

“These rules provide the framework through which this duty is fulfilled, ensuring that decisions are made with integrity and fairness.

“Moreover, Public Service Rules foster a culture of professionalism and excellence within our institutions. By setting standards for recruitment, promotion, and conduct, they ensure that those who enter public service are qualified, competent, and dedicated to the public good.

“Through continuous training and development, we strive to equip our workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the evolving needs of our society.

“Central to the Public Service Rules is the concept of public trust, reflecting the responsibility of public servants to act in the best interest of the communities they serve,” she said.

Dr. Yemi-Esan stressed the importance of professionalism and excellence to bring about effective administration and service delivery in the public service as a means to achieve Government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, sustainable governance, adherence to law and order, and capacity building in the Public Service.

She urged participants to leverage their professionalism and the knowledge gained for the nation’s progress.”

Director, Organisation Design and Development (ODD), Service Policies and Strategies Office, Mimi Abu, said the objective of this workshop was to sensitise public servants and other stakeholders on the revised 2021 Public Service Rule (PSR) which came into effect on 27th July 2023, adding that the 2008 PSR was reviewed to meet current realities.