FCTA: Revamping core governance for staff recognition and patriotism renewal
By Ukpono Ukpong
The civil service, often regarded as the engine room of government, has upheld institutional knowledge and policies throughout the years as stakeholders continually explore ways to maintain this crucial sector for the country’s smooth operation.
One effective measure involves adjusting the reward system to motivate the operators of this engine – the dedicated workers.
Recently, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) took significant steps by recognizing outstanding performance in its 4th edition of staff recognition and awards. Approximately 191 workers were honored for their exceptional contributions in various Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies.
Initiated four years ago, these recognitions aim to alleviate civil service monotony, combat apathy among the younger generation, and instill professionalism and excellence in workers. Awardees, particularly those in junior and middle cadre positions, express newfound patriotism and commitment to their civil service roles.
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Others confessed that they were provoked to good works, having witnessed the first, second, and third editions of the award ceremony.
They noted that seeing their colleagues who were recognised previously, pumped the aldreline in them to put in the best performance which distinguished them.
According to them, the initial belief that the civil service was “a no man’s land”, being a government’s business, where ‘soldier comes and goes’ has evaporated.
They said that they can now see a new civil service where hope is rising for the younger generations to invest their lives and get premium values.
Awardees, especially junior and middle cadre staff members said the recognition and honour have lifted their spirits and ignited in them passion for more service delivery.
The awards have continued to elicit mixed feelings for the workers with some having confessed that they least expected to be honoured for performing their official functions they were always paid for.
Some of the workers who were recognised said receiving letters of nomination was like a dream of the night.
The recognition and award have undoubtedly injected a new sense of patriotism, hard work, and a culture of excellence into the civil service system.
In the recent past of 2023, about 184 staff members were recognised and honoured.
Some of the awardees in 2023 noted that they have not stopped cherishing the award.
One of those who received the award in 2023, Adeola Abosede who works in the Press office of the Minister, noted that both the letter of nomination and certificate of recognition, have been included in her lists of most cherished treasures.
The young lady who was honoured for outstanding performance and dedication to duty noted that looking at the certificate of recognition daily has remained a source of inspiration and energy.
According to her, she has not recovered from the shock of surprises that hit her initially after being nominated.
“When I got my letter of nomination to come for the award, it was a big shock to me. In fact, I woke up every day to check my certificate.”
Also, Elizabeth Aliu, another awardee in the 3rd edition, has continued to bask in the euphoria of the award for more than one year now.
Aliu, who is attached to the Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement of FCTA, described the award as a “big milestone.”
She disclosed that the recognition given to her has rejuvenated her dedication to duty.
Aliu also expressed gratitude to both her immediate boss and the administration, for the opportunity to serve.
According to her, “I was recognised under the Management Recognition Category. I am overwhelmed with joy. This is a testament of hard work and dedication to duty.
“I am grateful beyond words to FCTA and my immediate boss in the department for the motivation.
“To me, this is a milestone, and I hope to keep learning and serving while I strive for excellence,” Aliu added.
The impact of the recognition and awards extends beyond personal fulfillment; it spurs healthy competition among FCTA agencies. Revenue-generating entities are particularly motivated to enhance their service delivery, creating a positive ripple effect.
It was learnt that Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) with 100% and above improvement on Revenue Generation” category was created at the 2021 FCT Awards to encourage them.
Some of the SDAs that were recognised and rewarded for their sterling performance in revenue generation and other service improvements include, the Parks and Recreation of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC),
Satellite Town Development Department, FCT Science Technology & Innovation Department, and the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).
All these were winners of the SDAs with 100% and above IGR category at the 4th Edition of the FCT Awards.
With the reward system having come to stay and in its fourth year now, the administration said it was time to extract more commitment from workers.
In a noteworthy move, the FCT Administration launched the Civil Servants Creed to guide workers in ethical conduct, professionalism, and increased productivity.
The creed, unveiled by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s representative, the FCT General-Counsel/Secretary Legal Services Secretariat, Barrister Salman Dako, embodies essential values and principles for effective public service delivery.
The Acting Director of FCTA’s Department of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, emphasized the initiative’s role in building a world-class, results-oriented civil service.
The Civil Servants Creed aligns with broader objectives of institutional reform, promoting a values-driven approach to service delivery. It reflects FCTA’s commitment to cultivating a culture of excellence, accountability, and transparency within the civil service, contributing to a more efficient and citizen-centric administration in Abuja, Nigeria.
