Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has introduced wide-ranging reforms in the state’s civil service, marking what observers describe as one of the most significant transformations in its history.
From the onset of his administration, Yahaya underscored the importance of civil servants as the engine of development, a conviction he has backed with consistent investment in manpower and institutions.
Hundreds of qualified teachers have been recruited to strengthen the education sector, while healthcare workers have been deployed across the state to bridge long-standing service gaps.
The administration has also commenced the construction of a befitting state secretariat, the first in the state’s history, aimed at providing a modern and conducive work environment.
In the area of career progression, more than 200 substantive directors have been appointed through merit-based promotion exercises, the largest in recent memory. Similarly, permanent secretaries were selected through a rigorous process, restoring fairness and dignity in the service.
The government has also made deliberate efforts to address the plight of retirees. Gratuity arrears, some outstanding for over a decade, are being systematically cleared, with more than N25.6 billion settled since 2019.
According to analysts, this represents a clear departure from the past and underscores the administration’s commitment to rewarding every phase of public service, from entry to retirement.
Civil servants in Gombe are now enjoying prompt salary payments, career protection, and recognition of merit. This, stakeholders say, is quietly driving a revolution in public sector governance.
Scholars note that the reforms align with global perspectives on institution building, with Yahaya’s administration prioritising not just leadership but also strong institutions staffed by competent professionals.
The reforms have positioned Gombe State as one of the few sub-nationals in the country where civil service reform is regarded as a reality rather than rhetoric.
