In what marks the largest single appointment of Permanent Secretaries in the history of the state, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has sworn in 19 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.
The swearing in ceremony, held at the International Conference Centre in Gombe, brings the total number of Permanent Secretaries appointed by the current administration over the past seven and a half years to 55. In addition to these appointments, more than 100 directors have been elevated into the senior administrative cadre of the state civil service during the same period.
According to a statement issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, the Director General of Press Affairs, the strategic appointments form part of a broader, sustained effort to reinforce government institutional capacity, bridge existing manpower gaps, and build a professional civil service capable of sustaining long term development beyond the current administration’s tenure.
A major highlight of the Governor’s address was the disclosure that his administration is actively preparing for a massive recruitment exercise into the state civil service. This initiative follows the successful establishment of an accurate manpower database enabled by the state’s biometric verification system.
Governor Inuwa revealed that he has already directed the Head of Civil Service to collaborate with the State Civil Service Commission. Together, they are tasked with conducting a comprehensive manpower needs assessment across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to determine critical staffing gaps and the exact number of personnel required.
The Governor assured that the rigorous exercise will successfully pave the way for fresh recruitment before the expiration of his tenure on May 29, 2027.
Reflecting on past administrative hurdles, Governor Inuwa noted that the biometric attendance and verification system which faced initial criticism upon its introduction, has fully demonstrated its intrinsic value. The technology has provided the government with reliable data on the actual active workforce, effectively eradicated ghost workers, curbed absenteeism, and saved the state billions of naira.
According to the Governor, these structural reforms have successfully laid the essential groundwork required for a more rational, transparent, and needs based approach to public sector recruitment.
Since assuming office, the administration has prioritized civil service reform and institutional strengthening, a commitment underscored by the establishment of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms. This key intervention is specifically designed to improve operational efficiency, transparency, accountability, and overall service delivery. Beyond manpower and administrative restructuring, Governor Inuwa emphasized that workers’ welfare remains a central pillar of his administration’s civil service policy.
Addressing the criteria behind the selections, the Governor maintained that the appointment process was carefully structured to prioritize competence, merit, and equitable representation.
He charged the newly sworn in Permanent Secretaries to view their high ranking positions as a solemn public responsibility rather than merely a personal achievement.
Responding on behalf of his fellow appointees, Musa Mohammed Babaji expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for the confidence reposed in them. He pledged that the new Permanent Secretaries would faithfully justify this trust through unwavering diligence, loyalty, professionalism, and an absolute commitment to effective public service.
