Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno inaugurated five new permanent secretaries into the state civil service on Tuesday as part of ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen public administration.

The new permanent secretaries are Adamu Isa-Abadam, Aja Gana-Bukar,  Yabawa Kolo, Abdulkadir Mustapha and Hassan Abdullahi-Hassan.

Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance on the appointees on behalf of Mr Zulum in Maiduguri.

The governor said the appointments were in line with the recommendations of the Public Service Committee to abolish the office of the ministerial secretary as part of wider civil service reforms.

He said the government accepted the committee’s recommendation to elevate remaining ministerial secretaries to permanent secretaries, thereby eliminating redundant positions and enhancing efficiency in governance.

“This step is critical in strengthening the structure of the state civil service and promoting efficiency in the formulation and execution of government policies and programmes,” he said.

He urged the new permanent secretaries to align with the Borno State 25-year development plan and the 10-year strategic transformation initiative, which he said were anchored on sustainability, equity and inclusivity principles.

Mr Zulum also advised them to demonstrate excellence, integrity, and accountability in their duties and to report promptly and work diligently to ensure effective implementation of government programmes.

Earlier, Muhammad-Ghuluze, the head of service,  said that while appointment as a permanent secretary usually required passing prescribed examinations, the current appointees were selected based on their outstanding service and contributions to the civil service.

Speaking on behalf of the new appointees, Ms Yabawa-Kolo thanked  Mr Zulum for the honour and pledged their commitment to serve diligently and uphold the trust placed in them.

(NAN)