Keynote address delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Marcus O. Ogunbiyi, at the launch of Performance Management day at the Ministry’s Headquarter, Mabushi, Abuja on 10th October 2024.

Protocols:

It is with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I am with you today to officially launch the weekly Performance Management System (PMS) Day in our esteemed Ministry.

2.       This is the beginning of a transformative journey for us as we heed the directive from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, which mandates every Thursday to be set aside for activities related to Performance Management System in the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies and be christened “PMS Day”.

3.       This directive is not just a routine exercise; it is a call to action for all of us to fully embrace the vision of an efficient, effective, responsive and performance-based Federal Civil Service.

4.       Performance Management System is a tool for goal and target setting, appraisal and monitoring of employee performance and the delivery of institutional mandates. It provides a systematic process of planning work, setting targets, providing support to employees and measuring results.

5.       It also provides the framework for continuous tracking of employees’ performance in a manner that is consistent and measurable, for developing and improving their capacities to perform on their jobs and for motivating them for increased productivity.

6.       The institutionalization of a functional performance management system being one of the six pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, (FCSSIP25) will improve efficiency and productivity in the public service and is key to achievement of the objectives of the ongoing reform initiatives and culture re-orientation in the Public Service.

7.       It will also ensure appropriate linkage of key government tools towards the attainment of national development goals and entrench a merit-based system in the Public Service. As a matter of fact, institutionalizing PMS is a cornerstone for our efforts to transform the entire Nigerian Public Service as a result-based and performing institution. PMS is an essential tool that provides a guide for the MDAs’ operations as we seek to reclaim our enviable position in delivering high-quality services to the Nigerian people.

8.       The introduction of PMS has remained a timely project, and I have no doubt that it is exactly what the Federal Civil Service needs at this critical time to elevate our service delivery standards, enhance accountability, and build a positive culture of productivity, consequent management and continuous improvement in both personnel and institutional performance.

9.       Today, as we launch the PMS Day in the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, we are not just institutionalizing a PMS weekly activity in the Ministry; we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence that has been the guiding ethos of the Ministry in the achievements of its deliverables of the Presidential Priorities and the implementation of the FCSSIP25 reform initiatives.

10.     It is crucial to understand that the full implementation and institutionalisation of PMS is not just the responsibility of a few; it is a collective responsibility that spans all levels of our Ministry, from the most senior management cadre to the lowest-ranked officers, including security personnel and the janitorial service providers. Everyone has a vital role to play in ensuring that PMS is not just a beautiful policy on paper but a living, breathing organisational culture within the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

11.     To all Directorate level officers, you are the leaders and the vision bearers of your respective departments. As PMS supervisors, your roles in driving this initiative cannot be overstated. Your commitment to the institutionalization of PMS in your respective departments are what will inspire and motivate other staff and team members to follow suit. You are the ones who will set the tone for accountability and performance at the departmental levels, and I urge you to lead by example.

12.     I commend all the Departments and Units that have cascaded signing of performance contracts with staff. We have no place to hide. We have been a performing Ministry. We are determined and we shall continue to perform because PMS has come to stay in this Ministry. To move our sector and country forward, you and I must embrace this world-best practice and your department should not be a reason for the Ministry to lose its enviable high-ranking position as one of the leading MDAs in the implementation of Federal Government reforms and programmes.

13.     To our middle and junior-level officers, your dedication and hard work are the bedrock of our Ministry’s success. The PMS is designed to recognize and reward your contributions, ensuring that your efforts are aligned with our shared vision and that your professional growth is supported.

14.     I encourage you to see this initiative as an opportunity to showcase your talents, sharpen your skills, and play active roles in the development of our Ministry and the nation at large.

15.     It is normal for a very young Ministry like ours to face some challenges especially in a housing and urban development sector with a high level of expectations in creating possibilities for social infrastructure as enabler for growth. These have not in any way deterred the Ministry from exploring possibilities and innovative ways of bringing about possible solutions including partnering with our stakeholders to be able to deliver on the Ministry’s mandate as expected.

16.     However, with the full implementation of the PMS, we have a robust framework that allows us to measure our progress, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate our successes. It is a tool that will guide our decision-making processes and ensure that every action we take contributes to the fulfillment of our mandates in formulating and implementing the policies, programmes and projects of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the Housing and Urban Development sector.

17.     As we set aside every Thursday to focus and reflect on our PMS activities, let us all commit to these sessions with the seriousness they deserve. Let us use this time to evaluate our performances, identify the gaps that need addressing, and collaboratively find solutions that will drive our Ministry forward. The PMS Day is our collective space for reflection, learning, and growth.

18.     In conclusion, I am confident that if we fully embrace the PMS, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will set the benchmark for other Ministries to follow. Together, we can create a public service that is responsive, innovative, and committed to excellence.

19.     Thank you for your commitment and dedication, and I look forward to working with all of you to make this initiative a success. It is on this note that I hereby launch today and every other Thursday as the PMS Day in the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

20.     Thank you and God bless.