BY: FAIZA JIBRIN, JULY 18, 2025/ 10:02AM
Civil servants in Borno State are witnessing gradual improvements in their work conditions and welfare after years of hardship due to insecurity, healthcare costs, and infrastructure setbacks.
The Head of Civil Service, Dr. Muhammad A Ghuluze, revealed this on Thursday during a press briefing marking the 2025 Civil Service Week, held at International Conference Centre, Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.
According to Ghuluze, the state has completed processes to enroll civil servants in the public sector health insurance scheme, easing the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
He said civil servants now have access to the new minimum wage.
He added that the state has also made significant strides in other areas.
Dr. Ghuluze noted that the streamlining of pension documentation has reduced processing delays by over 60%, providing relief to many civil servants.
He revealed that the state has recruited critical staff in education, health, and administration, addressing key gaps in these sectors.
However, challenges persist. The infrastructural damage caused by the 2024 Maiduguri flood disaster has had a lasting impact on key facilities, including the Musa Usman Secretariat, hindering full digitization efforts.
Funding constraints and limited digital literacy among staff also continue to pose hurdles to reform implementation.
The administration aims to transform the civil service into a performance-driven, technology-enabled, and people-centered institution. To achieve this, the state plans to implement several initiatives in the 2025-2026 period. These include the implementation of biometric attendance systems to enhance accountability to the civil service.
Dr. Ghuluze announced that the state will also launch a service innovation lab to drive creativity and problem-solving.
He added that wellness schemes will be rolled out for state employees to promote their health and well-being. The introduction of SERVICOM will bolster public trust and accountability, ensuring that the civil service remains responsive to the needs of the people.
He urged civil servants to recommit to duty and innovation, while appealing to the media for objective reporting and citizens to support the reform journey. As reforms continue to take root, many in Borno’s public service now hold cautious hope that the days of neglect and hardship may finally be giving way to a new era of dignity and support in the workplace.