By Musa Ubandawaki
SOKOTO:-The Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Aminu Abubakar Rijiya, has declared that the ongoing reforms in the state’s local government system are aimed at building a professional, efficient and politically neutral workforce capable of driving grassroots development across the state.
Speaking during an interview in Sokoto, Rijiya said the commission has embarked on an aggressive policy of training, retraining and educational advancement for local government workers as part of the state government’s broader public service transformation agenda.
He disclosed that thousands of staff members across the 23 local government areas of the state have benefited from various capacity building programmes, seminars and workshops designed to improve productivity, transparency and service delivery at the grassroots level.
According to him, the commission has also intensified sponsorship opportunities for workers seeking academic advancement in Certificate, NCE, Diploma, ND, HND and Degree programmes in accredited institutions across the state.
“The era when local government workers were denied opportunities for career progression is gradually becoming a thing of the past in Sokoto State. Today, workers are being encouraged to improve themselves academically and professionally because government understands that no system can grow beyond the quality of its manpower,” he stated.
Rijiya explained that the commission’s reforms were not only focused on academic development, but also on instilling discipline, accountability and professionalism in the local government service structure.
He maintained that the commission under the present administration has continued to operate an open door policy that treats workers fairly irrespective of political, ethnic or social affiliations.
“Our mandate is purely administrative and developmental. We do not discriminate against any worker based on political inclination or personal differences. Promotion, training opportunities and other welfare considerations are guided strictly by laid down civil service rules and due process,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the commission has adopted merit driven procedures in handling appointments, postings and staff development in order to restore confidence in the local government system.
He further revealed that periodic assessments and monitoring mechanisms have been introduced to ensure that beneficiaries of government sponsored programmes return to contribute effectively to the growth of the service.
Rijiya described human capital development as the backbone of sustainable governance, stressing that the commission remains committed to producing competent personnel capable of meeting the growing administrative demands at the grassroots.
He said the local government system in Sokoto State has witnessed significant transformation in recent years through institutional reforms, staff welfare initiatives and improved administrative coordination.
According to him, the reforms have strengthened harmony within the workforce and eliminated fears of intimidation and victimisation often associated with public service operations in some parts of the country.
“The commission is determined to sustain a system where workers can perform their duties without fear, intimidation or political pressure. When workers feel protected and motivated, efficiency and productivity will naturally improve,” he added.
Rijiya commended the Sokoto State Government for prioritizing local government administration and investing in manpower development, describing the effort as critical to achieving meaningful socio economic development at the grassroots level.
Many staff believe the reforms being implemented by the commission could serve as a model for strengthening local government administration and public sector efficiency across Nigeria.
Article Sokoto LG service commission drives workforce revolution, ends era of Political Victimisation — Perm Sec Live On NgGossips.
