Edo Governor Calls for Transparency, Innovation, Financial Discipline in Public Service
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on permanent secretaries across the state to strengthen administrative efficiency, ensure prudent management of public funds and uphold the highest standards of integrity in government operations.
He made the call on Monday at the opening of a two-day Strategic Leadership and Orientation Retreat for Permanent Secretaries, aimed at enhancing leadership effectiveness and improving institutional performance in the Edo State Civil Service.
The governor urged the senior civil servants to shun corrupt practices, dismantle unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks and embrace innovative approaches that would translate government policies into tangible benefits for the people.
Okpebholo emphasised that permanent secretaries, as accounting officers of their respective ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), must ensure financial discipline, transparency and strict adherence to due process.
“This is not merely a title; it is a clear duty for accountability, due process, proper record keeping, and ensuring that every expenditure delivers real value to the Edo people,” he said.
He warned the officials against acting on directives purportedly issued in his name without proper verification, stressing that all instructions must comply with relevant laws, financial regulations and established administrative procedures.
“Verify it. Confirm its authenticity. Ensure it complies with the law, financial regulations, and established procedures,” he added.
The governor noted that although political administrations change, the civil service remains responsible for preserving institutional knowledge and ensuring continuity in government operations.
He therefore urged the permanent secretaries to speed up administrative processes, facilitate prompt decision-making, strengthen project supervision and make public services more responsive to the needs of residents.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts to reform the civil service, Okpebholo said several initiatives had been introduced to improve workers’ welfare and enhance the effectiveness of public institutions.
He listed the regular payment of salaries, continuation of the 13th-month salary and an increase in the minimum wage from ₦70,000 to ₦75,000 among the measures implemented by his administration.
According to him, promotion arrears had also been cleared, staff promotions had become more timely, and thousands of workers had been recruited or regularised.
The governor further cited EDO-PREP, which focuses on performance improvement and capacity development, and EdoCloud, which supports the state’s transition to paperless governance, as key components of the reform programme.
He maintained that merit, inclusion and institutional accountability were essential to building an effective civil service, encouraging participants to share ideas and develop practical measures for improving service delivery across their respective MDAs.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, praised the governor for giving attention to workers’ welfare and supporting efforts to strengthen the state civil service.
Okungbowa recalled that shortly after assuming office in November 2024, Okpebholo directed that salaries be paid on or before the 26th of every month. He also highlighted the introduction of the 13th-month salary in December 2024 and the subsequent increase in the minimum wage.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for approving 20 brand-new vehicles for permanent secretaries, describing the provision as a measure intended to support administrative effectiveness.
The Head of Service urged participants to use the retreat to reassess their responsibilities and formulate workable strategies for achieving better results.
He stressed that the implementation of the administration’s SHINE Agenda depended significantly on the performance of government ministries, departments and agencies, challenging permanent secretaries to establish clear, measurable targets for their offices within three and six months.
Describing public service as a position of trust, Okungbowa said the officials must demonstrate integrity, discipline and professionalism in the management of public resources.
He also welcomed the newly appointed permanent secretaries and encouraged them to uphold the established principles and values of the civil service.
The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Musa Ikhilor, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Yakubu Musa, among other dignitaries.
