Ex-President Jonathan calls for civil service reform, unified federal-state salary structure

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the harmonisation of structures and salaries across the federal and state civil services in the country.

He stated this in Yenagoa on Friday during the foundation-laying and fund-raising ceremony for the Bayelsa State Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries’ Secretariat Complex.

Mr Jonathan commended the retired permanent secretaries for the initiative, noting that the caliber of personnel in the Bayelsa public service compares favourably to their counterparts at the federal level.

Mr Jonathan recalled how, during his tenure as governor of Bayelsa, he restructured the state civil service to introduce Grade Level 17 for directors, who previously retired on Level 16.

He emphasised that establishing a dedicated secretariat for the retired permanent secretaries would serve both retirees and the public, while making a strong case for uniform civil service structures nationwide.

The Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, represented by the Head of Service, Ebiye Sawyer, pledged government support for the project, praising the retired officials for their vision and dedication.

Earlier, Chairman of the Association, Collins Daniel, described the proposed complex as an institutional edifice designed to embody the legacy of public service.

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He explained that the centre would house administrative offices, event halls, conference rooms, and recreational facilities.

Mr Daniel explained that the Bayelsa Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries’ Secretariat Complex is expected to cost N500m and completed in two years.