SHUGABA BAWAN AL’UMMA

PRESS RELEASE
24/6/2025

SERVICOM DIRECTORATE CARRIES OUT SURPRISE REVISITATIONS TO MDAs TO DISCOURAGE LATENESS AND PROMOTE PROFESSIONALISM IN THE CIVIL SERVICE

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and promote discipline in the state’s civil service, the SERVICOM Directorate overseeing by Director Tahir Garba has undertaken an unscheduled revisitation to various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the state capital. This initiative is aimed at discouraging lateness to work and addressing other undesirable attitudes and practices that hinder productivity within the public sector.

The exercise, which took many MDAs by surprise, was designed to monitor punctuality, staff attendance, and overall workplace behavior. The visit also served to remind civil servants of the core values of transparency, dedication, and accountability expected in the discharge of their duties.

During the revisit, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance praised the efforts of SERVICOM, describing their mission as a “work of patience.” He noted that those who take on the role of correcting wrongs in the system must be prepared to be misunderstood or even disliked, especially when entrenched habits are being challenged. “Calling for discipline and accountability is never an easy task,” he said, “but it is a necessary one if we are to move our institutions forward.”

He further commented on the worrying trend observed particularly among some teachers who take their children to private schools first before proceeding to their respective workplaces, often arriving late. According to him, this habit not only sets a poor example but also contributes to the decline in workplace efficiency. He stressed that such behavior must be urgently addressed if public confidence is to be restored in the civil service.

At the Office of the State Auditor, the SERVICOM team observed a partial absence of staff. However, management explained that most of their personnel are designated as field workers, which makes their physical presence in the office during working hours less frequent. The Directorate took note of this explanation but emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between field assignments and administrative responsibilities.

In contrast, the Ministries of Information, Finance, and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) recorded commendable attendance. During the visit, most directors and top management staff were present and engaged in their duties, reflecting a strong commitment to professionalism and service.

The SERVICOM Directorate commended these ministries for their responsiveness and urged others to emulate their example. The Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to routine and unannounced visits as part of its strategy to enforce ethical standards and ensure a more disciplined and result-oriented civil service.

SERVICOM calls on all civil servants to see their roles as service to the people and to uphold the highest standards of integrity, punctuality, and diligence. Citizens deserve efficient and reliable service delivery, and this can only be achieved when every government official takes their responsibility seriously.

The revisitation exercise will continue across various MDAs in the coming weeks.

Signed.
Jamil Sagir Danbala PRO SERVICOM DIRECTORATE Kano