Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has announced plans to reward dedicated civil servants as part of efforts to boost productivity in the state's civil service. The initiative is aimed at promoting discipline among workers and encouraging hard work. A committee will soon be constituted to develop criteria for identifying and rewarding diligent workers.
The governor made this disclosure while receiving state workers led by the Head of Service, Abdulkadir Ahmed, during a Sallah homage visit at the Government House. Ahmed commended the governor for recruiting 3,000 workers, describing the exercise as unprecedented in the state's civil service history. The recruitment has helped reduce unemployment and prompted the prompt payment of salaries, settlement of gratuity backlogs, pension disbursement, and restoration of imprest to Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The governor warned that his administration would no longer tolerate indiscipline, stating that he would embark on unscheduled visits to Ministries, Departments and Agencies to enforce compliance with civil service rules. He urged workers to reciprocate ongoing reforms with dedication and professionalism. The governor also hosted members of the Sokoto State Chamber of Commerce, who commended the administration's urban renewal initiatives.
The decision by Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu to reward dedicated workers is a welcome move that should encourage hard work and discipline in the state's civil service. The governor's commitment to enforcing civil service rules and reducing indiscipline is commendable. However, the fact that the governor will embark on unscheduled visits to Ministries, Departments and Agencies raises concerns about the potential for favouritism and abuse of power. The recruitment of 3,000 workers and the prompt payment of salaries are positive developments that should be sustained. Ultimately, the success of this initiative depends on the governor's ability to follow through on his promises and ensure that the rewards are fairly distributed.
