Jonathan Calls for Better Pay and Structure in Civil Service

Former President Goodluck Jonathan wants the federal and state civil services in Nigeria to have the same structure and salary system.

He made this statement in Yenagoa on Friday. This was during the ceremony to lay the foundation and raise funds for the Bayelsa State Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries’ Secretariat Complex.

Jonathan praised the retired permanent secretaries for their initiative. He said that the quality of workers in the Bayelsa public service is as good as those at the federal level.

He remembered how, when he was governor of Bayelsa, he made changes to the state civil service. He introduced Grade Level 17 for directors, who used to retire on Level 16.

Jonathan said that having a dedicated secretariat for retired permanent secretaries would help both the retirees and the public. He strongly argued for having the same civil service structures all over the country.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, who was represented by the Head of Service, Ebiye Sawyer, promised the government’s support for the project. He praised the retired officials for their vision and commitment.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Collins Daniel, called the planned complex an important building that would carry on the legacy of public service.

He explained that the centre would include offices for administration, event halls, conference rooms, and places for recreation.

Daniel also mentioned that the Bayelsa Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries’ Secretariat Complex is expected to cost N500 million and will be finished in two years.