The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, transparency and results-oriented service delivery with the successful sensitization on the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS), cascading of departmental objectives and the signing of Performance Contracts.
The exercise, held at the Conference Room of the Permanent Secretary, brought together Directors, Heads of Departments and key management staff to strengthen institutional performance and align the Ministry’s operations with the Federal Government’s Public Service Reform Agenda.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, described the exercise as a critical milestone in entrenching a performance-driven culture that delivers measurable results for Nigerians.
“Today’s meeting is not just another routine event. It is a key step in strengthening our performance culture. As we proceed with the implementation of the Performance Management System, we reaffirm our shared responsibility to translate government priorities into departmental goals and, ultimately, into tangible outcomes for the Nigerian people,” she stated.
Mrs. Asanye explained that the Performance Management System provides a structured framework for setting realistic targets, monitoring progress, providing timely feedback and strengthening accountability through evidence-based performance appraisal.
She stressed that the PMS is designed to improve institutional effectiveness and not to punish officers.
“Performance Management System is not for punishment; it is for improvement. It helps us identify gaps early, strengthen our strategies and recognise genuine achievements.
Having clear targets at the top is not enough; every individual, unit, section, division and department must understand its contribution to achieving the Ministry’s overall goals,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that the signing of Performance Contracts represents a firm commitment by every department to deliver agreed results within specified timelines, urging officers to ensure that performance targets remain realistic, measurable and directly linked to their statutory responsibilities.
She also called for fairness, transparency and documented evidence in the appraisal process, encouraging officers to view performance gaps as opportunities for learning, innovation and continuous improvement.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Amina W. Jalo, described the programme as a demonstration of the Ministry’s collective commitment to accountability, excellence and results-oriented service delivery.
She thanked all participants for honouring the invitation and expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the sensitization would equip them to effectively implement the Performance Management System and inspire colleagues across the Ministry to embrace the reform initiative.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Team Lead and Resource Person from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Yusuf Afeez Adeleke, commended the Permanent Secretary, Directors and all participants for their active participation throughout the exercise.
He urged the Ministry to ensure that departmental performance contracts are effectively cascaded to every level of accountability across the Ministry to guarantee successful implementation of the PMS.
Mr. Adeleke also recommended additional training sessions for PMS Champions and Core Teams on performance appraisal and review, noting that continuous capacity building would enhance effective implementation of the system.
He further appealed for the provision of adequate working tools, particularly laptops, to empower officers responsible for driving the Performance Management System, stressing that improved motivation and support would strengthen productivity and overall institutional performance.
The sensitization and signing ceremony ended with renewed commitment by participants to institutionalize the Performance Management System, strengthen accountability and deliver efficient, transparent and impactful services that advance the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment and social inclusion.
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau Mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations Dept.FMWASD
