By Our Correspondent, Jos
The Plateau State Government, in partnership with the World Bank under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme, has commenced an orientation and induction programme for newly absorbed NG-CARES personnel into the state civil service.
The exercise, organised by the Plateau State CARES Coordinating Unit (PL-SCCU), was held at the Millennium International Conference Centre, opposite Solomon Lar Amusement Park, Jos.
The training is aimed at integrating former contract staff into the formal civil service structure while equipping them with knowledge of public service rules, ethics, responsibilities, and performance expectations.
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Speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of NG-CARES, Dr. Haggai Gutap, said the absorption of the staff reflects the state government’s commitment to retaining skilled personnel and preserving institutional knowledge acquired through the programme.
He noted that many World Bank-supported projects in the past relied heavily on contract staff who were disengaged at the end of project cycles, resulting in the loss of valuable expertise and institutional capacity.
According to him, the current administration adopted a different approach to ensure continuity and sustainability in governance.
“These individuals have received extensive training over the years, and allowing them to leave would amount to a loss for the state. Governor Caleb Mutfwang believes strongly in human capital development and has approved their absorption to retain their expertise and experience,” Gutap said.
He further explained that the NG-CARES programme operates on a results-based financing model, where World Bank disbursements are tied directly to measurable performance outcomes. He therefore urged the newly absorbed staff to embrace efficiency, teamwork, and strict compliance with operational guidelines.
Gutap also disclosed that Plateau State is transitioning into NG-CARES 2.0, which is designed to consolidate previous gains and sustain the state’s leading position in programme implementation across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Chairman of the Plateau State Civil Service Commission, Prof. Paul S. Wai, described the induction as a major milestone in the careers of the new civil servants.
He said joining the civil service goes beyond securing employment, as it entails becoming part of a structured institution guided by established rules, values, and traditions.
Prof. Wai urged the officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, accountability, discipline, and loyalty in the discharge of their duties, stressing that ignorance of civil service regulations would not be accepted as an excuse for misconduct.
“The Civil Service remains the permanent machinery of government. Your success will depend on your competence, dedication, and adherence to established rules and procedures,” he stated.
He further encouraged continuous learning, merit-driven advancement, innovation, and commitment to results, noting that government expects improved service delivery from its workforce.
The commission chairman also commended the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang for its efforts to build a professional and technology-driven civil service and for approving the absorption of qualified NG-CARES personnel.
In a goodwill message, the representative of the Head of Civil Service and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Rebecca Shaset, described the initiative as timely and beneficial.
She reminded the new officers that the civil service operates within clearly defined rules and procedures and urged them to demonstrate competence, accountability, dedication, and commitment to duty.
“As civil servants, you must comply with established regulations and remain committed to delivering quality services to the people,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Gladys Lircit Sodo, Deputy Director (Administration) in the Plateau State Ministry of Finance, who represented the Commissioner for Finance and Chairperson of the State Steering Committee on NG-CARES, encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and share experiences that would enhance programme implementation.
She commended the organisers for providing the orientation, describing NG-CARES as a critical intervention programme that requires dedication, professionalism, and a strong focus on impact.
The workshop, supported by the World Bank and implemented under the NG-CARES framework, is expected to strengthen institutional capacity and improve service delivery across Plateau State’s public service system.
