…pledge stronger accountability in public service

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – Permanent Secretaries in Plateau State have formally validated the draft Integrity and Accountability Strategy (2025–2029) designed to strengthen transparency, ethical conduct, and efficiency within the State Public Service.

The validation, held in Jos on Monday, marked a major step in the government’s efforts to institutionalise reforms that promote responsible use of public resources.

The State Head of Service, Stephen Godong, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Danjuma Damenkyap, said the validation reflects the commitment of the State’s accounting officers to improving governance.

He noted that the strategy, earlier drafted by Directors of Administration across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and other stakeholders outlines key pillars including ease of doing business, ethical reorientation, peace and security, among others, aimed at raising the quality of public service delivery.

He explained that Permanent Secretaries scrutinised the 30-page document and provided practical guidance based on their experience, as they serve as frontline implementers of government policies.

He stressed that the reforms would help reduce unwholesome practices and promote accountability across the State, in line with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s insistence that all MDAs adhere to due process and responsible management of resources.

Earlier, the Plateau State Coordinator of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, Mantim Dala, said the initiative seeks to strengthen transparency frameworks, improve the culture of accountability, and enhance the provision of basic services to citizens.

He noted that the programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA, will support capacity-building efforts and monitoring the implementation of the strategy.

Dala explained that accountability and transparency remain central to effective governance, arguing that weak oversight mechanisms often undermine service delivery across sectors, from criminal justice administration to access to services for vulnerable groups.

He added that the partnership aims to address systemic failures and reinforce democratic principles by ensuring that institutions function in line with their mandates.

He highlighted that this second phase of the RoLAC programme builds on earlier progress recorded between 2017 and 2023, particularly in the Ministry of Justice, judiciary, and gender-related institutions, noting however, that accountability gaps hinder performance in many areas, making the new strategy a timely intervention.

Meanwhile, the facilitators, Professor Ada Chidi-Igbokwe and Professor Onyukwu Onyukwu, commended the participants for their contributions and urged continuous commitment to strengthening governance structures for the benefit of Plateau citizens.