The Katsina State Local Government Service Commission has introduced a revamped promotion system aimed at enhancing the skills and performance of civil servants.
Alhaji Usman Mamman Maska, the Chairman of the Commission, announced that under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umar Radda, the program, which has been ongoing for years, continues to evolve. Starting in 2024, all eligible candidates for promotion, except for junior civil servants, will be required to pass an examination as part of the selection process.
In a recent interview with press on Tuesday, Hikaya Newspaper reports that Maska revealed that the Commission selected Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic to conduct the examinations for over 2,000 local government employees. Impressively, around 1,800 staffs successfully passed the exam. Following the examination, an interview process was held, resulting in over 1,600 employees receiving promotions in 2024. However, more than a hundred employees were deferred for promotion due to documentation issues that need to be resolved.
“The new promotion system is part of the state government’s broader strategy to improve the performance of local government staffs,” Maska emphasized that this initiative aligns with federal standards and is being adopted in various states across Nigeria. “The aim is to ensure that local government workers are well-equipped to serve their communities effectively,” he added.
“Last year, the Katsina State government sponsored over 1,200 local government employees to pursue further education at various institutions across the country. Many of these employees have returned with enhanced skills and knowledge, which they are now applying in their respective roles.” Maska noted that the journey to a directorial position in local government can take up to 20 years, highlighting the experience and dedication of local government employees.
“The Katsina State government is also focusing on improving the welfare of local government staffs through the implementation of a ‘Unified Service’ system. This initiative will allow employees to rotate between different local governments, fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing their understanding of diverse communities.” Maska stated that this rotation is essential for developing human relations skills, which are crucial for effective governance.
“In addition to these initiatives, the government has introduced a ‘Public Hearing’ system in the budget process and is promoting community development projects.” Maska expressed optimism that these measures will empower local government workers and enhance the overall development of Katsina State.