FG Working Towards Ensuring Prompt Payment Of Gratuities- HoS

The Federal Government is working towards improving the processing of pensions and gratuities to enable retirees receive their entitlements promptly.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack gave the assurance during the quarterly stakeholders and citizens engagement forum in Abuja.

The forum that brought together stakeholders across MDAs, the civil society, and the private sector was to discuss the various reforms and receive feedback on the impact of pension reforms from the populace.

Head of Civil Service of the Federation Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, while highlighting the milestones achieved and the upcoming review stressed that staff welfare would be top priority.

She said in addition to ensuring prompt payment of benefits to both retired and serving civil servants, eco- friendly electric buses had been provided to ease the transportation of civil servants in the country.

“In our reforms, we are working on introducing eco-friendly electric staff
buses to provide safe and comfortable transportation for civil servants,
reduce commuting stress and improve punctuality. We have been working closely with the Pension Commission and other bodies to improve the processing of pensions and gratuities, so that retirees receive their due
benefits more promptly.”

“These reforms and initiatives I have described, from
capacity building to innovation to welfare, are not just abstract policies on
paper. They are real actions with real impact, aimed at building a Civil Service that upholds the highest standards of efficiency, integrity, and service excellence.We still have work ahead, but the groundwork has been laid. ”

“Transparency is a core value of this administration, and we want you, the
stakeholders and citizens, to continuously monitor our progress and hold us to our
words.”

One of the participants at the forum, Mr. Hassan Saliu stressed the need for adequate review to harmonize the issue of disparity in the pension system.

Saliu pointed out that,
“In the service I believe that you should do something Ma, a Director who is more than a major general is receiving twenty thousand naira till you die, while inflation is eating your money, all these things Ma, if you do not handle this issue of parity in the pension system, people will be stealing and there is noting you can do”.

Also, Ms Chioma Njoku from the private sector applauded the Head of Civil Service for her efforts to strengthen the sub national collaboration for effective service delivery across board.

“For us and most importantly, the deliberate effort to strengthen sub national collaboration ensuring that the federal and state are working hand in hand to deliver for the citizens across the nation.”

“These are not just activities, they are signs of a Civil service that is listening, learning, today’s engagement for us is another example of that spirit, the courage to open the doors to invite all voices to the table and shape reforms together.”

“The Aig Imoghede foundation is proud to be a part of this story. We remain committed to supporting the OHCSF, through capacity programs, technical support, and platforms that will ensure transformation with measurable impact on all Nigerians. ”

The highlight of the forum was a demonstration of the AI tool that could generate feedback on how best the service could be improved.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji