Foreign Affairs Ministry Launches Performance Management System to Enhance Efficiency 

Foreign Affairs Ministry Launches Performance Management System to Enhance Efficiency 

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

As part of efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability within the civil service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially launched its Performance Management System (PMS) on Thursday.

The initiative is designed to foster a culture of meritocracy and align institutional goals with national priorities, affirming Nigeria’s commitment to progressive diplomacy on the global stage.

Addressing a gathering of ministry staff and stakeholders during the launch, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, emphasized the transformative potential of the PMS.

“This represents a bold step toward enhancing our performance evaluation processes. By implementing regular appraisals and performance improvement plans, we can ensure fairness and foster a culture of continuous improvement,” he stated.

The PMS is set to replace the previous Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) with a more dynamic framework that encourages regular feedback and recognizes outstanding contributions from civil servants. Tuggar encouraged all staff members to embrace the initiative, saying, “Together, we can create a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that our Ministry remains a beacon of excellence in public service.”

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, stated the importance of performance management in aligning individual contributions with national goals.

“This system will guide and enhance the performance of our workforce. Our civil service must adapt to remain efficient in a global landscape that is constantly evolving,” Ahmed told the attendees.

He highlighted the need for a transparent evaluation process that minimizes biases and promotes fairness, stating, “We are committed to recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance while providing constructive feedback to those who need improvement.”

Furthermore, Ahmed announced that Thursdays would be recognized as PMS Day across the ministry, encouraging officers to wear branded PMS attire as a symbol of their commitment.

“Embracing a culture of continuous improvement and transparent evaluation will ensure that our Ministry stands as a model of professionalism and progressive diplomacy,” he asserted.

The launch of the Performance Management System represents a strategic component of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021-2025) and aligns with the objectives of Nigeria’s National Development Plan (NDP 2021 – 2025). With this initiative, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to enhance its operational standards, ultimately contributing to the nation’s broader development goals.

As the country embarks on this transformation journey, both Tuggar and Ahmed called for collective effort and commitment from all staff. “With determination and collaboration, we will elevate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service at large to new heights of efficiency, integrity, and professionalism,” Ahmed concluded.