The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed its resolve to fully adopt the Performance Management System (PMS) as a framework for strengthening institutions, improving accountability, and enhancing service delivery across the ministry and its agencies.
This assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, during her keynote address at a two-day Ministerial Performance Retreat for Directors and Chief Executives of agencies under the ministry’s supervision. The retreat began in Abuja on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Dr. Akujobi described the retreat as a turning point from policy formulation to practical execution, stressing that the signing of performance contracts scheduled for Tuesday must translate into concrete action and measurable results. She noted that commitments made must be matched with discipline, responsibility, and strict compliance with agreed targets.
According to her, the ministry is prepared to provide the institutional frameworks and systems needed for success, adding that strong performance is driven more by clear processes and accountability than by funding alone.
She explained that PMS, which is provided for under Chapter Five of the revised Public Service Rules, has replaced the Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER). The new system now forms the foundation for staff promotions, rewards, capacity development, and sanctions where performance falls short.
The Permanent Secretary added that the retreat aims to embed PMS across the ministry through the creation of uniform performance contract templates for Directors, support agency heads in defining Key Result Areas, and ensure full alignment with guidelines from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
In his opening remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Stephen Ohaeri, described PMS as a transparent and objective tool that promotes fairness, excellence, and integrity in evaluating performance. He noted that the system moves public service assessment away from routine reporting toward a results-focused approach built on measurable targets and continuous improvement.
A presentation on “Understanding the New MDA Performance Management System An Overview” was delivered by Mr. Abiodun Ajayi, a representative of the OHCSF. He explained that the APER system had been in operation for more than 40 years and had become outdated. He emphasized the need for the Federal Civil Service to adopt modern performance tools to achieve efficiency, accountability, and tangible outcomes in policy implementation.
The retreat, themed “Institutionalising the Performance Management System in the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development,” is part of ongoing efforts by the ministry to build a results-oriented culture across its departments and agencies.