Jonathan calls for a unified federal wage structure and…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan called for reforms to harmonize the structure and pay systems of Nigeria’s federal and state civil services.

Jonathan said a unified framework would help improve coherence, strengthen public administration and promote fairness among public servants at different levels of government.

He made the remarks on Friday in Yenagoa during the foundation laying and fundraising ceremony for the secretariat complex of the Bayelsa State Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries.

The former president supports civil service alignment

Jonathan said Nigeria’s public service would benefit from closer alignment between federal and state civil service structures.

He noted that differences in career structures and compensation systems have created variations among public employees performing similar roles at different administrative levels.

According to him, a coordinated system would strengthen the civil service and recognize the contribution of experienced civil servants.

Jonathan praises retired permanent secretaries

The former president commended the retired permanent secretaries of Bayelsa for initiating the construction of the secretariat complex.

He said the quality and competence of Bayelsa public service personnel compare favorably with that of personnel serving at the federal level.

Jonathan described the proposed facility as an important project that would preserve institutional knowledge and continue to support retired public officials.

Reforms introduced during Jonathan’s governorship

Jonathan recalled that while serving as governor of Bayelsa State, he introduced reforms within the state civil service.

He said his administration created Level 17 for directors, allowing senior directors who previously retired at Level 16 to achieve a higher level of career progression.

He explained that the reform aims to recognize the experience and improve the motivation of senior public officials.

The Bayelsa government supports the project

The Bayelsa State Government has expressed support for the initiative.

Governor Douye Diri, represented by the Chief of Service, Ebiye Sawyer, commended the retired permanent secretaries for their vision and commitment to public service.

The government said the project reflects the importance of preserving the contributions of retired directors.

The secretariat complex will cost $500 million

Earlier, President of the Bayelsa Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, King Collins Daniel, described the project as a legacy institution for retired civil servants.

He said the complex will include: administrative offices, conference rooms, event rooms, recreational facilities.

Daniel said the project is estimated to cost $500 million and is expected to be completed within two years.