‘Ministries Making Unauthorized Promotion Of Special Civil Servants’

The Federal Government, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, has raised concerns over ministries conducting promotion exercises for special civil servants without adhering to due process.

According to Punch, a memo signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, cautioned such ministries against bypassing established protocols.

The document emphasized that cases involving promotions for special, deserving civil servants must be submitted to the Federal Civil Service Commission for approval.

The memo, addressed to key government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, ministers, heads of departments, and agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and permanent secretaries, highlighted the need for compliance.

Dated October 28, 2024, the memo stated, “Henceforth, all Ministries/Extra-Ministerial Departments are advised to follow the extant procedure as provided in Part IV Section 24 of the “Guidelines for Appointments, Promotion and Discipline” (2004 Edition) issued by the Federal Civil Service Commission, in their requests for special promotion for deserving officers.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all requests for special promotion must be forwarded to the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission by the recommending Permanent Secretary, through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

“Kindly ensure strict compliance with the content of this Circular.”