………..…Signs Performance Bond with Directors, Head of Agencies.
The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (HAGF) Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has directed all Directors and Heads of Agencies under Federal Ministry of Justice to ensure effective implementation of Performance Management System (PMS) such that it would enhance staff appraisal systems, allocation of responsibilities and design of processes. He further directed that leaders at every level in the Ministry should drive PMS with dedication, clarity, and consistency, stating that they would be held accountable for their outcomes.
He also revealed that it was imperative for the Directors and Heads of Agencies to look beyond the walls of the Ministry. He stated that the performance of the Ministry and its agencies must contribute meaningfully to the broader justice ecosystem to deepen collaboration with sister agencies, the judiciary, legal practitioners, civil society, and development partners, to engender a seamless, timely, and fair justice system for all Nigerians.
The HAGF issued the directive in his remarks at a one – day Performance Management System Retreat and signing of Performance Bonds with Directors, Heads of Units and Heads of Agencies. The theme was Strengthening Institutional Performance for Effective Justice Delivery, held on 16th June, 2025 at the Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium.
“I would like to state that the relevance and performance of our Ministry will not be measured by the quantity of our activities, but by the quality and impact of our outcomes. The era of process for its own sake must give way to a new era-one where every action is purposeful, every result is measurable, and every member of staff is accountable. The Performance Management System, as embedded in the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25), is not a mere administrative tool; it is the backbone of our drive for institutional excellence and sustainable development”. He further highlighted.
The HAGF equally charged the Ministry’s PMS Core Team, Champions, and all staff to sustain the momentum by approaching their duties with integrity, diligence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He challenged them to build a Ministry that is agile, responsive, and uncompromising in its pursuit of service excellence. On his own part, Fagbemi assured them of his unwavering commitment to providing the support and leadership necessary to achieve collective success culminating in building the Ministry into a model of accountability, professionalism, and service excellence.
“I am pleased to note the significant progress we have made thus far, including the establishment of PMS Core Teams, the appointment of Champions, comprehensive sensitization initiatives, and the alignment of departmental work plans with national priorities. These are laudable milestones. However, let me be clear-these steps are only the beginning. The true test of our resolve lies in our ability to make PMS an intrinsic part of our organizational culture. Every Director, every Unit Head, every officer must internalize the fact that performance is not optional-it is the standard by which we will all be judged, including myself”. The HAGF further enunciated.
“As leaders, we must set the tone and lead by example, fully understanding that effective justice delivery cannot thrive in a system where performance is fragmented, reactive, or disconnected from national objectives. The Performance Management System (PMS) is not a stand-alone reform—it is a deliberate mechanism for embedding a culture of measurable results that directly align with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP 25). It is through PMS that we translate our strategic priorities into daily action and hold ourselves accountable to the public. Likewise, our justice sector reforms—such as the National Justice Policy, the National Policy on Arbitration, the National Minimum Standards for ACJA implementation, and related initiatives—must work in tandem with PMS and the broader objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for our sector”. The HAGF concluded.
In her opening remarks, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice (SGF/PS), Mrs. Beatice Jedy-Agba OON mni, informed participants that the Federal Ministry of Justice had recorded notable progress in the implementation of the PMS. She revealed that the Ministry had achieved a 74% PMS rating in the recent FCSSIP25 post-assessment, reflecting a strong progress towards institutionalizing a performance-driven culture.
Jedy-Agba also said that beyond PMS, the Ministry had delivered across key justice reforms: full implementation the National Justice Policy and introduced the National Policy on Arbitration to drive efficient dispute resolution; the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) is being supported by newly developed National Minimum Standards—ensuring uniform, timely criminal justice delivery; working to refocus the Innovation Division and hold internal innovation challenges; and also hosted retreats that drove performance and culture change.
While delivering her welcome address, the Director, Human Resources Management, Mrs. Mabel Erastus, maintained that the Retreat was a crucial milestone toward aligning individual and departmental performance with the broader objectives and mandate of the Ministry; and ultimately, with the national development agenda. She also stated that improving measurement, management, and motivation of performance within the workforce was not merely administrative but also moral, legal, and strategic.
She added that well-implemented PMS would allow, clearly define roles and responsibilities, measurable goals, monitor progress effectively, offer constructive feedback, and recognize and reward excellence. In attendance were Directors, Units Heads and Heads of Agencies of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Signed
Aderemi Adelabu – CI & PRO
For: Director (Information & Public Relations)
16th June, 2025
