Walson-Jack Assures Federal Civil Servants of Improved Welfare

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, has assured federal civil servants across the country of improved welfare and conducive working environment.
Mrs. Walson-Jack gave the assurance at the weekend, during her official inspection at the Federal Secretariat complex, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Addressing the civil servants from about 15 federal ministries and 35 agencies, the Head of Civil Service, noted that the workers have contributed immensely in the nation development.

She thanked them for their hardwork, saying “we are here to thank you for your hardwork and commitment, we remember you and care about your work environment and your welfare”.
Walson-Jack explained that she was in Port Harcourt to inspect the federal secretariat building, and look for ways to add value and renovate the structure for a conducive environment of workers.

She said: “I took an inspection of the facility, well as expected the building of about 35 years old will definitely not be looking in top shape, especially if we have not done several renovations as we should have.
“We will be looking closely at what we can do to upgrade the facilities and we hope that within budgetary provisions we will be able to do something this year.”

Responding to questions from journalists on the outcome of the interaction with the civil servants, Walson-Jack said: “I am happy that they are here representing the various ministries and agencies very well, and I see that there is unity of purpose. They have an association that appears to be doing well, bringing them together and ensuring that everything is going on well”.

She appreciated the Controller of Works, the Minister of Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, permanent secretaries and others who she said have added values to what the civil servants are doing in the federal secretariat in the state.

She added: “We will want to say a very big thank you to the Rivers State Government; definitely they are playing a very big role in providing security, all the infrastructure that is necessary for the federal civil servants to do their work in a conducive environment”.

Earlier in his remarks, Permanent Secretary Special Duties Office, in the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa, explained the visit was in line with the vision of federal civil service strategy and implementation plan 2025 FCT, specially focusing significance on the staff welfare.

Ogbodo stated that the foundation of a productive and efficient civil service lies in the wellbeing of the staff, ensuring that they had the right environment, resources and support to carry out their responsibilities, for quality service delivery to the people of Nigeria.

His words: “Through this inspection, we evaluate the current system of the facility, resources and infrastructure. But also, to identify areas where we can improve and create better working environment for our dedicated staff.

“We understand that when the staff are well taken care-off, they can perform their duties to the greater commitment and efficiency.”

Ogbodo who noted that the federal secretariat in Rivers has been a critical hub for the federal government operations in the region, said, “we remain committed to improving both physical and operational environment to ensure that our staff welfare and productivity are at the forefront.”

He expressed the confidence that, “this tour will provide us with valuable insight and help in identifying the necessary improvement and allow us to continue fostering the civil service that is not only efficient but also compassionate and supportive towards this most important asset – that is the staff”.

THISDAY observed that during the interaction, and based on demands from the civil servants, the Head of Civil Service, Walson-Jack, assured that a mini liaison office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation would be cited in the state.