As part of efforts to strengthen the workforce while increasing professionalism and efficiency in service delivery, the Lagos State Government has recruited 1,561 officers into the State Civil Service and deployed same to various Ministries/ Agencies according to manpower need of the service in the last one year.
This was disclosed by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olabode Ademola, at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa during the ongoing Y2016 Press Briefing of the Lagos State Government to commemorate the first year in Office of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.
She said that the State Government has also reviewed the policy on conversion in the service to promote lateral conversion in the interest of equity, justice and harmonisation, adding that approval has also been granted for the unification of the Schemes of Service, career progression and terminal Salary Grade Levels with effect from January 1st, 2016 for all Officers across the State Public Service as well as the en-block payment of leave allowance.
According to her, “The conversion policy was reviewed to further enhance the career progression of officers in the service. The new policy has now addressed issues whereby Officers on grade level 12 and above are usually stepped down by one grade level upon conversion from a sub-cadre to officer cadre.”
Mrs. Ademola also revealed that the present administration has elevated twenty-five senior public servants to the post of Permanent Secretary as part of measure to ensure that business of government is manned by seasoned and motivated public servants capable of scaling up the enviable status of Lagos as “Centre of Excellence”.
On Housing Loans to Public Servants, the Head of Service said the loan facility available to public servants has been increased from N50 million to N100 million in order to ensure that many more members of staff have access to the facility.
Responding to a question on issue of double promotion, the Head of Service reiterated that a committee is in place to look into recognition of high fliers who should benefit from career progression in the service, adding that modalities for it will soon be made known.