Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for reforms aimed at harmonising the structure and salary systems of Nigeria’s Federal and State civil services.

Jonathan said a unified framework would help improve consistency, strengthen public administration and promote fairness among government workers across different levels of government.

He made the remarks on Friday in Yenagoa during the foundation-laying and fundraising ceremony for the Bayelsa State Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries’ Secretariat Complex.

Former President Advocates Civil Service Alignment

Jonathan said Nigeria’s public service would benefit from closer alignment between Federal and State civil service structures.

He noted that differences in career structures and remuneration systems had created variations between government workers performing similar roles across different levels of administration.

According to him, a coordinated system would strengthen the civil service and recognise the contribution of experienced public servants.

Jonathan Praises Retired Permanent Secretaries

The former president commended retired permanent secretaries in Bayelsa for initiating the construction of the secretariat complex.

He said the quality and competence of personnel in the Bayelsa public service compared favourably with those serving at the federal level.

Jonathan described the proposed facility as an important project that would preserve institutional knowledge and continue supporting retired public officers.

Reforms Introduced During Jonathan’s Governorship

Jonathan recalled that while serving as Governor of Bayelsa State, he introduced reforms within the state civil service.

He said his administration created Grade Level 17 for Directors, allowing senior directors who previously retired at Grade Level 16 to attain a higher career progression level.

He explained that the reform was aimed at recognising experience and improving motivation among senior civil servants.

Bayelsa Government Supports Project

The Bayelsa State Government expressed support for the initiative.

Governor Douye Diri, represented by the Head of Service, Mr Ebiye Sawyer, praised the retired permanent secretaries for their vision and commitment to public service.

The government said the project reflected the importance of preserving the contributions of retired administrators.

Secretariat Complex to Cost N500 Million

Earlier, Chairman of the Bayelsa Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, King Collins Daniel, described the project as a legacy institution for retired public servants.

He said the complex would include: administrative offices, conference rooms, event halls, recreational facilities.

Daniel said the project is estimated to cost N500 million and is expected to be completed within two years.