Nigeria’s Housing Ministry signs Performance Contract

…Aims to enhance service reforms

By Kunle Sanni

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has affirmed interest in the Performance Management System by signing a Performance Contract for staff under the parastatal.

In a ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Permanent Secretary Marcus Ogunbiyi highlighted the Performance Management System as a crucial element of ongoing reforms, aligning with national priorities and presidential deliverables.

“I am happy the signing of performance contracts with our directors is happening today. It is a clear testament to our collective commitment to excellence and efficiency,” he remarked.

The Permanent Secretary revealed that the contract is part of the Ministry’s mandate to drive Pillar 5 of the Presidential priorities, which focuses on “Transportation and Infrastructure as an Enabler of Growth.”

According to him, this pillar forms one of the three components of the Ministerial Performance Management System Plan (MPMS), along with the Ministry’s Operational Priorities and the Service-wide Priorities from the Federal Civil Service Strategies and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP25).

The Performance Contract is designed to assign specific responsibilities to officers, serving as the basis for appraisals. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), targets, and milestones have been developed to guide critical activities and projects within the Ministry.

“They outline specific objectives, timelines, and measurable outcomes that will guide our efforts in the coming months,” Ogunbiyi explained.

Directors were reminded of their crucial role in driving the Federal Civil Service reforms and government priorities.

Ogunbiyi also tasked them to begin the process of cascading the signing of performance contracts with their subordinates within the next two weeks.

He emphasized that the Performance Management System is vital for the Ministry’s mandate of providing affordable housing, ensuring collective responsibility and optimal performance.

Ogunbiyi also stressed the importance of innovation within the reform framework, announcing annual rewards for innovative ideas and sanctions for officers who fail to meet their responsibilities effectively.

In his remarks, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mohammed Bala Saulawa, commended the Permanent Secretary for his leadership and vision in fostering a results-oriented culture.

He congratulated the directors for their dedication in translating policies into impactful actions.

“As we embark on this journey, let us remember that our responsibilities are not just to meet targets but to exceed them, to innovate, and to inspire.

“Together, we have the power to shape the future of our Ministry and contribute meaningfully to the development of our country,” Saulawa stated.