barcanista:
This article is in response to a topic created on Saturday, June 27, 2015 titled What Is The Need Of Minister When We Have Permanent Secretaries. The purpose of the thread was to justify the delay of ministerial appointment by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari

On the said Thread many respondents were of the opinion that there is no need for ministers when we have career permanent secretaries manning various ministries. But is this really so?
Let us critically look into the subject.

1. Job Role
The Permanent secretary in a ministry is the Chief Executive of that ministry. He's the Accounting Officer and most senior civil servant within the ministry. He does not formulate strategic policies of the government but he only execute operational plans of the government in power.
The Minister on the other hand is a non career civil servant that is employed by the government in power to formulate strategic policies for a specified sector. In addition to this, he supervises ALL the non-Ministerial Departments that falls within the sector.

2. Scope
The scope of the permanent secretary in a ministry is only restricted within his ministry.
The Minister on the other hand is not only confined to the supervision of his "ministry", he also supervises Department and Agencies that comes with his office as minister on behalf of the President. For instance, the Minister of Transport supervises both the Ministry of Transport, NIMASSA, Nigeria Railway Corporation(NRC), Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Shippers Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria etc. The DGs or CEOs of the non-Ministerial Parastatals formulates and implements operational policies (as approved by the various boards) which must be in line with that of the Minister's strategic policy of the government. The perm-sec has no such power.

3. Representation:
Constitutionally, each state must have a minister who is nominated and appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Senate. Each minister sits on the Federal Executive Council and they represent their respective states in the Council. The President and the Vice represent the entire federation.
The Perm-sec on the other hand do not have such constitutional defined representation.

4. Is The "Minister" Ceremonial?
Absolutely not! The minister is a politician that understands and believes in the overall goal of the President. He is hired by the President to formulate policies (subject to approval of the president and Federal Executive Council), and then he ensures that these policies and programs of the FG/President are implemented by his Permanent Secretary, DGs and MDs of Agencies under his supervision. He also ensures that policies and programs that are executed by these MDAs under his supervision are in tandem. For instance, the Petroleum Minister is to ensure that the contracts approved by the Ministerial Tender board (Headed by the Perm-sec) are in tandem with the government laid down rules. He must counter sign it to show government's approval. Also, the Petroleum Minister by law is to ensure that policies of the Executive Management of NNPC are to be in line with wish of the government in power. In addition to this, he receives petitions against any Executive staff and Board Chairman/Members of non-ministerial agency within his supervision on behalf of the President. He also advises the President on the best way to address such petition.

Can The Permanent Secretary Function As Minister?
Absolutely Negative! The Permanent Secretary within a ministry cannot supervise the CEO/DG that is under the ministry's supervision. He has no business with policy formulation on behalf of the government. He's not aligned to any political party and he's not hired by the President but by the Civil service. The President can fire any erring minister over non performance or based on any slightest issue or non issue, but he can't fire the perm-sec over "poor performance". The worst he can do is to redeploy the perm-sec in line with the civil service rules. The Perm-sec can only leave the civil service on voluntary/mandatory retirement, death or based on any offence that stipulate the wield stick as punishment.

Nigeria Situation Without Ministers
The situation that we are in under Buhari means that there is nobody to formulate policies for and on behalf of the FG in line with the "Change" of the Buhari's administration. It also means that nobody to supervise ministries, agencies and departments which give room for theft and mismanagement of public funds by civil servants. It means that the public won't be able to experience any policy change anytime soon. It means that the President will dish out "orders" as the spirit directs without analysing core factors. It also means that permanent secretaries and DG/CEOs of Agencies will act in accordance with existing rule aka Auto-Pilot.

Finally, Nigeria is not the first and only country to practice political cabinet Minister in addition to perm-secs of ministries. The Nigeria equivalent of career civil servants perm-sec in the UK is Permanent Under Secretary(PUS), Italy call theirs Secretary-General, Canada (Deputy Minister), Australia (Secretary), USA (Deputy Secretary) etc. All these countries still have cabinet ministers that are incharge with policies and supervision.

I hope we all understand that there is NO WAY President Buhari can effectively bring change without ministers.


God Bless Us All

good analysis... but you seem to lack patience, faith and belief in this new government.
you cant rush the "change"

"3. Representation:
Constitutionally, each state must have a minister who is nominated and appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Senate. Each minister sits on the Federal Executive Council and they represent their respective states in the Council. The President and the Vice represent the entire federation." ..... barcanista


The section highlighted makes it unconstitutional for PMB to continue to run Nigeria without Ministers. Hopefully our NASS shall brace up to curtail this germinating dictatorial tendency. For example, if there were ministers in an FEC meeting, there couldn't have been agreement to remove soldiers from manning Nigeria's roads. Removing soldiers from the roads, unarguably increases the chances of terrorist penetrating the rest of Nigeria. Who can think of removing soldiers from manning the roads in Iraq, Syria, or Somalia?

Even the strongest of military dictators anywhere in the world cannot contemplate running his country for this long without ministers. Ministers bring the opinion of the citizens to the executive arm of government. How can PMB alone know what Nigerians want?

A country's government is not for the president alone.

Well said @op. they are only trying to justify the sluggishness of baba1c***ce by saying there is no need for ministers

AbuMaryam1:
@ Op, remember destruction is one touch, while construction takes time. Your explanations are valid, bear it on mind PDP govt has brought this country to kneel. With the financial crisis inherited from Otueke Dullard you don't need to be a professor to know it will take time to fix this country.

when was the milking of Nigeria commenced?
Who was the PTF chairman who $21Billiin was traced in his account abroad?
please stop this nonsense and head straight so that the buried hatchet wont surface again...
Your post shows the handwork of some crumbs of penny from somewhere... remember, you are what you say... After all i don't think you knew these post by the OP.
Nigeria must move forward in positive change

why is the daura magician soo slow in appointing ministers? apc members want to come and chop money.

Buhari had several weeks ahead of his inauguration to begin selection of ministers, but he chose not to do so because he wants to oversee them all. How can he function without ministers? A month after he being inaugurated, he's yet to announce any nomination...

@barcanista, thank you for this wonderful post.

Nice write up. I hope those giving excuse for inactions by the current administration can take note.

We will just be watching as the things unfolds

Internet ranting does not change anything. Allow this man pls. Its nt how far..... He had made himself clear what he is up to. U people choose to ignore facts nd condition ur mind to what suit you. He said we hv to endure for 3 mnths before tins get back to normal. Just take it that way ok. Sorry u hear.

barcanista:
I don't think it is proper to allow the President appoint his cabinet "when he wants". It however should be when it is appropriate- and that technically was from May 30, 2015. Every serious government all over the act almost immediately after coming to power because the business of Governance is so important that vacuum is never encouraged. Meanwhile, how can Buhari properly appreciate the state of every sector without his ministers? The civil servants and non career DGs and MDs will always try to mask their tracks. You need a minister to go there, critically look and evaluate the state of the MDAs under his ministry and advice the President properly. The country without minister is always on standstill and in retrogression.

hansad:
"3. Representation:
Constitutionally, each state must have a minister who is nominated and appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Senate. Each minister sits on the Federal Executive Council and they represent their respective states in the Council. The President and the Vice represent the entire federation." ..... barcanista


The section highlighted makes it unconstitutional for PMB to continue to run Nigeria without Ministers. Hopefully our NASS shall brace up to curtail this germinating dictatorial tendency. For example, if there were ministers in an FEC meeting, there couldn't have been agreement to remove soldiers from manning Nigeria's roads. Removing soldiers from the roads, unarguably increases the chances of terrorist penetrating the rest of Nigeria. Who can think of removing soldiers from manning the roads in Iraq, Syria, or Somalia?

Even the strongest of military dictators anywhere in the world cannot contemplate running his country for this long without ministers. Ministers bring the opinion of the citizens to the executive arm of government. How can PMB alone know what Nigerians want?

A country's government is not for the president alone.

Exactly! Greek new government was sworn-in on 26th January, he formed his cabinet immediately.

Obama was sworn in Jan 20, 2009. The next day he formed his cabinet with Hilary as Secretary of State (Foreign Minister).

But Buhari perhaps thinks government starts and ends with the President

I laughed when i saw the thread where someone was wondering the need for ministers where there were permanent secretaries without realizing that ministers are supposed to be the strategic managers that formulate the route to be taken which will be passed to the operational managers to implement.

But when his committe were asking questions then, u guys said he wanted to form a paralel govt.

manny4life:
Buhari had several weeks ahead of his inauguration to begin selection of ministers, but he chose not to do so because he wants to oversee them all. How can he function without ministers? A month after he being inaugurated, he's yet to announce any nomination...

@barcanista, thank you for this wonderful post.

barcanista:
This article is in response to a topic created on Saturday, June 27, 2015 titled What Is The Need Of Minister When We Have Permanent Secretaries. The purpose of the thread was to justify the delay of ministerial appointment by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari

On the said Thread many respondents were of the opinion that there is no need for ministers when we have career permanent secretaries manning various ministries. But is this really so?
Let us critically look into the subject.

1. Job Role
The Permanent secretary in a ministry is the Chief Executive of that ministry. He's the Accounting Officer and most senior civil servant within the ministry. He does not formulate strategic policies of the government but he only execute operational plans of the government in power.
The Minister on the other hand is a non career civil servant that is employed by the government in power to formulate strategic policies for a specified sector. In addition to this, he supervises ALL the non-Ministerial Departments that falls within the sector.

2. Scope
The scope of the permanent secretary in a ministry is only restricted within his ministry.
The Minister on the other hand is not only confined to the supervision of his "ministry", he also supervises Department and Agencies that comes with his office as minister on behalf of the President. For instance, the Minister of Transport supervises both the Ministry of Transport, NIMASSA, Nigeria Railway Corporation(NRC), Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Shippers Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria etc. The DGs or CEOs of the non-Ministerial Parastatals formulates and implements operational policies (as approved by the various boards) which must be in line with that of the Minister's strategic policy of the government. The perm-sec has no such power.

3. Representation:
Constitutionally, each state must have a minister who is nominated and appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Senate. Each minister sits on the Federal Executive Council and they represent their respective states in the Council. The President and the Vice represent the entire federation.
The Perm-sec on the other hand do not have such constitutional defined representation.

4. Is The "Minister" Ceremonial?
Absolutely not! The minister is a politician that understands and believes in the overall goal of the President. He is hired by the President to formulate policies (subject to approval of the president and Federal Executive Council), and then he ensures that these policies and programs of the FG/President are implemented by his Permanent Secretary, DGs and MDs of Agencies under his supervision. He also ensures that policies and programs that are executed by these MDAs under his supervision are in tandem. For instance, the Petroleum Minister is to ensure that the contracts approved by the Ministerial Tender board (Headed by the Perm-sec) are in tandem with the government laid down rules. He must counter sign it to show government's approval. Also, the Petroleum Minister by law is to ensure that policies of the Executive Management of NNPC are to be in line with wish of the government in power. In addition to this, he receives petitions against any Executive staff and Board Chairman/Members of non-ministerial agency within his supervision on behalf of the President. He also advises the President on the best way to address such petition.

Can The Permanent Secretary Function As Minister?
Absolutely Negative! The Permanent Secretary within a ministry cannot supervise the CEO/DG that is under the ministry's supervision. He has no business with policy formulation on behalf of the government. He's not aligned to any political party and he's not hired by the President but by the Civil service. The President can fire any erring minister over non performance or based on any slightest issue or non issue, but he can't fire the perm-sec over "poor performance". The worst he can do is to redeploy the perm-sec in line with the civil service rules. The Perm-sec can only leave the civil service on voluntary/mandatory retirement, death or based on any offence that stipulate the wield stick as punishment.

Nigeria Situation Without Ministers
The situation that we are in under Buhari means that there is nobody to formulate policies for and on behalf of the FG in line with the "Change" of the Buhari's administration. It also means that nobody to supervise ministries, agencies and departments which give room for theft and mismanagement of public funds by civil servants. It means that the public won't be able to experience any policy change anytime soon. It means that the President will dish out "orders" as the spirit directs without analysing core factors. It also means that permanent secretaries and DG/CEOs of Agencies will act in accordance with existing rule aka Auto-Pilot.

Finally, Nigeria is not the first and only country to practice political cabinet Minister in addition to perm-secs of ministries. The Nigeria equivalent of career civil servants perm-sec in the UK is Permanent Under Secretary(PUS), Italy call theirs Secretary-General, Canada (Deputy Minister), Australia (Secretary), USA (Deputy Secretary) etc. All these countries still have cabinet ministers that are incharge with policies and supervision.

I hope we all understand that there is NO WAY President Buhari can effectively bring change without ministers.


God Bless Us All

Barcanista the clown.. If the roles of ministers are as important as you've enunciated above, don't you think Buhari should actually really take the time to select the right people? Not sure you have ever ascended to the managerial level at a reputable company, but how long do you think it takes a manager or senior leader to fill a position that is crucial to the success of a company?

ApexTitan:


I'm not clamouring for Buhari to appoint ministers just yet, I'm adopting a wait and see approach first. It's still early days, if after a few more weeks and we are still here then I'll agree with you that things are in a bad state and that the Baba doesn't know what he is doing.

We all have to assume the position of tactical and constructive criticism. The time to cry wolf may well come but right now any cries will easily be dismissed as that of an unreasonable man.

For now let's be vigilant and continue watching the man.

Why would you adopt a wait and see approach?, the very reason that it is in the early days should have even resulted in getting those ministerial posts filled. The PMB administration knew they were coming into power 3 months ago and yet it seems like they don’t have a list of names

The ministers need to meet with lobby groups, media, coalition partners, other ministers in government and sectors that have public interest to them, they are the eyes and ears about the trends going on. They will need to figure out budgets, planning, implementation and give reports to PMB. They will need to fight opposition when they make unpopular decisions. This is a lot of work

You want us to continue watching the man while he does nothing to take this burden off him. NO
Now is the time to get the right people in key positions when there is still political good will and the masses are still shouting change

olalat:
Internet ranting does not change anything. Allow this man pls. Its nt how far..... He had made himself clear what he is up to. U people choose to ignore facts nd condition ur mind to what suit you. He said we hv to endure for 3 mnths before tins get back to normal. Just take it that way ok. Sorry u hear.

So you mean we should "endure" for 3 months? Do you know what we have been losing sMay 29 without functioning ministers? Bros, Nigeria can't endure o

pure bunkum WE DONT REALLY NEED THEM !hey are mostly CONDUIT FOR SIPHONING TAXPAYERS MONEY FOR DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Just a waste of money paid to those inept so. Called ministers in exchange for gross incompetency Just like their back sitter ,Bench warmer in sinnate and HoR bunch of thieves

barcanista:
This article is in response to a topic created on Saturday, June 27, 2015 titled What Is The Need Of Minister When We Have Permanent Secretaries. The purpose of the thread was to justify the delay of ministerial appointment by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari

On the said Thread many respondents were of the opinion that there is no need for ministers when we have career permanent secretaries manning various ministries. But is this really so?
Let us critically look into the subject.

1. Job Role
The Permanent secretary in a ministry is the Chief Executive of that ministry. He's the Accounting Officer and most senior civil servant within the ministry. He does not formulate strategic policies of the government but he only execute operational plans of the government in power.
The Minister on the other hand is a non career civil servant that is employed by the government in power to formulate strategic policies for a specified sector. In addition to this, he supervises ALL the non-Ministerial Departments that falls within the sector.

2. Scope
The scope of the permanent secretary in a ministry is only restricted within his ministry.
The Minister on the other hand is not only confined to the supervision of his "ministry", he also supervises Department and Agencies that comes with his office as minister on behalf of the President. For instance, the Minister of Transport supervises both the Ministry of Transport, NIMASSA, Nigeria Railway Corporation(NRC), Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Shippers Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria etc. The DGs or CEOs of the non-Ministerial Parastatals formulates and implements operational policies (as approved by the various boards) which must be in line with that of the Minister's strategic policy of the government. The perm-sec has no such power.

3. Representation:
Constitutionally, each state must have a minister who is nominated and appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Senate. Each minister sits on the Federal Executive Council and they represent their respective states in the Council. The President and the Vice represent the entire federation.
The Perm-sec on the other hand do not have such constitutional defined representation.

4. Is The "Minister" Ceremonial?
Absolutely not! The minister is a politician that understands and believes in the overall goal of the President. He is hired by the President to formulate policies (subject to approval of the president and Federal Executive Council), and then he ensures that these policies and programs of the FG/President are implemented by his Permanent Secretary, DGs and MDs of Agencies under his supervision. He also ensures that policies and programs that are executed by these MDAs under his supervision are in tandem. For instance, the Petroleum Minister is to ensure that the contracts approved by the Ministerial Tender board (Headed by the Perm-sec) are in tandem with the government laid down rules. He must counter sign it to show government's approval. Also, the Petroleum Minister by law is to ensure that policies of the Executive Management of NNPC are to be in line with wish of the government in power. In addition to this, he receives petitions against any Executive staff and Board Chairman/Members of non-ministerial agency within his supervision on behalf of the President. He also advises the President on the best way to address such petition.

Can The Permanent Secretary Function As Minister?
Absolutely Negative! The Permanent Secretary within a ministry cannot supervise the CEO/DG that is under the ministry's supervision. He has no business with policy formulation on behalf of the government. He's not aligned to any political party and he's not hired by the President but by the Civil service. The President can fire any erring minister over non performance or based on any slightest issue or non issue, but he can't fire the perm-sec over "poor performance". The worst he can do is to redeploy the perm-sec in line with the civil service rules. The Perm-sec can only leave the civil service on voluntary/mandatory retirement, death or based on any offence that stipulate the wield stick as punishment.

Nigeria Situation Without Ministers
The situation that we are in under Buhari means that there is nobody to formulate policies for and on behalf of the FG in line with the "Change" of the Buhari's administration. It also means that nobody to supervise ministries, agencies and departments which give room for theft and mismanagement of public funds by civil servants. It means that the public won't be able to experience any policy change anytime soon. It means that the President will dish out "orders" as the spirit directs without analysing core factors. It also means that permanent secretaries and DG/CEOs of Agencies will act in accordance with existing rule aka Auto-Pilot.

Finally, Nigeria is not the first and only country to practice political cabinet Minister in addition to perm-secs of ministries. The Nigeria equivalent of career civil servants perm-sec in the UK is Permanent Under Secretary(PUS), Italy call theirs Secretary-General, Canada (Deputy Minister), Australia (Secretary), USA (Deputy Secretary) etc. All these countries still have cabinet ministers that are incharge with policies and supervision.

I hope we all understand that there is NO WAY President Buhari can effectively bring change without ministers.


God Bless Us All

Hey Barca! your head dey dia..

Ori e wa nibe..

Genius100:


Barcanista the clown.. If the roles of ministers are as important as you've enunciated above, don't you think Buhari should actually really take the time to select the right people? Not sure you have ever ascended to the managerial level at a reputable company, but how long do you think it takes a manager or senior leader to fill a position that is crucial to the success of a company?

Uncle, Buhari was declared winner on April 1st, 2015. He has 2 months to prepare before inauguration. He has spent over a month in power. He has been contesting since 2003. He has no excuse

Need a good laff for the evening? Check this jokes section post out...
www.nairaland.com/2414604/gross-in-law#35292586

check my signature too.

Most of the sound bites coming from the president and the VP of recent, could have been made by the appropriate ministers concerned.

laurel500:


good analysis... but you seem to lack patience, faith and belief in this new government.
you cant rush the "change"

lol... which govt, a govt yet to be formed after 1 month? its only in nigeria that anything goes ...change indeed...

You miss the point

barcanista:
This article is in response to a topic created on Saturday, June 27, 2015 titled What Is The Need Of Minister When We Have Permanent Secretaries. The purpose of the thread was to justify the delay of ministerial appointment by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari

On the said Thread many respondents were of the opinion that there is no need for ministers when we have career permanent secretaries manning various ministries. But is this really so?
Let us critically look into the subject.

1. Job Role
The Permanent secretary in a ministry is the Chief Executive of that ministry. He's the Accounting Officer and most senior civil servant within the ministry. He does not formulate strategic policies of the government but he only execute operational plans of the government in power.
The Minister on the other hand is a non career civil servant that is employed by the government in power to formulate strategic policies for a specified sector. In addition to this, he supervises ALL the non-Ministerial Departments that falls within the sector.

2. Scope
The scope of the permanent secretary in a ministry is only restricted within his ministry.
The Minister on the other hand is not only confined to the supervision of his "ministry", he also supervises Department and Agencies that comes with his office as minister on behalf of the President. For instance, the Minister of Transport supervises both the Ministry of Transport, NIMASSA, Nigeria Railway Corporation(NRC), Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Shippers Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria etc. The DGs or CEOs of the non-Ministerial Parastatals formulates and implements operational policies (as approved by the various boards) which must be in line with that of the Minister's strategic policy of the government. The perm-sec has no such power.

3. Representation:
Constitutionally, each state must have a minister who is nominated and appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Senate. Each minister sits on the Federal Executive Council and they represent their respective states in the Council. The President and the Vice represent the entire federation.
The Perm-sec on the other hand do not have such constitutional defined representation.

4. Is The "Minister" Ceremonial?
Absolutely not! The minister is a politician that understands and believes in the overall goal of the President. He is hired by the President to formulate policies (subject to approval of the president and Federal Executive Council), and then he ensures that these policies and programs of the FG/President are implemented by his Permanent Secretary, DGs and MDs of Agencies under his supervision. He also ensures that policies and programs that are executed by these MDAs under his supervision are in tandem. For instance, the Petroleum Minister is to ensure that the contracts approved by the Ministerial Tender board (Headed by the Perm-sec) are in tandem with the government laid down rules. He must counter sign it to show government's approval. Also, the Petroleum Minister by law is to ensure that policies of the Executive Management of NNPC are to be in line with wish of the government in power. In addition to this, he receives petitions against any Executive staff and Board Chairman/Members of non-ministerial agency within his supervision on behalf of the President. He also advises the President on the best way to address such petition.

Can The Permanent Secretary Function As Minister?
Absolutely Negative! The Permanent Secretary within a ministry cannot supervise the CEO/DG that is under the ministry's supervision. He has no business with policy formulation on behalf of the government. He's not aligned to any political party and he's not hired by the President but by the Civil service. The President can fire any erring minister over non performance or based on any slightest issue or non issue, but he can't fire the perm-sec over "poor performance". The worst he can do is to redeploy the perm-sec in line with the civil service rules. The Perm-sec can only leave the civil service on voluntary/mandatory retirement, death or based on any offence that stipulate the wield stick as punishment.

Nigeria Situation Without Ministers
The situation that we are in under Buhari means that there is nobody to formulate policies for and on behalf of the FG in line with the "Change" of the Buhari's administration. It also means that nobody to supervise ministries, agencies and departments which give room for theft and mismanagement of public funds by civil servants. It means that the public won't be able to experience any policy change anytime soon. It means that the President will dish out "orders" as the spirit directs without analysing core factors. It also means that permanent secretaries and DG/CEOs of Agencies will act in accordance with existing rule aka Auto-Pilot.

Finally, Nigeria is not the first and only country to practice political cabinet Minister in addition to perm-secs of ministries. The Nigeria equivalent of career civil servants perm-sec in the UK is Permanent Under Secretary(PUS), Italy call theirs Secretary-General, Canada (Deputy Minister), Australia (Secretary), USA (Deputy Secretary) etc. All these countries still have cabinet ministers that are incharge with policies and supervision.

I hope we all understand that there is NO WAY President Buhari can effectively bring change without ministers.


God Bless Us All

AbuMaryam1:
@ Op, remember destruction is one touch, while construction takes time. Your explanations are valid, bear it on mind PDP govt has brought this country to kneel. With the financial crisis inherited from Otueke Dullard you don't need to be a professor to know it will take time to fix this country.

@bolded rather qualifies you...an undiluted dullard you're... having read the above write up and still spew this post of yours...

God bless you@barcanista for this great work...sorry I came late to class...I learnt more here sincerely... kudos!!!

Dropshot,... barcanista keeps pushing the stake higher...more reason my type and Mizmycoli will keep admiring him...When are you launching your first thread...I am still waiting ooo

barcanista:
This article is in response to a topic created on Saturday, June 27, 2015 titled What Is The Need Of Minister When We Have Permanent Secretaries. The purpose of the thread was to justify the delay of ministerial appointment by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari

On the said Thread many respondents were of the opinion that there is no need for ministers when we have career permanent secretaries manning various ministries. But is this really so?
Let us critically look into the subject.

1. Job Role
The Permanent secretary in a ministry is the Chief Executive of that ministry. He's the Accounting Officer and most senior civil servant within the ministry. He does not formulate strategic policies of the government but he only execute operational plans of the government in power.
The Minister on the other hand is a non career civil servant that is employed by the government in power to formulate strategic policies for a specified sector. In addition to this, he supervises ALL the non-Ministerial Departments that falls within the sector.

2. Scope
The scope of the permanent secretary in a ministry is only restricted within his ministry.
The Minister on the other hand is not only confined to the supervision of his "ministry", he also supervises Department and Agencies that comes with his office as minister on behalf of the President. For instance, the Minister of Transport supervises both the Ministry of Transport, NIMASSA, Nigeria Railway Corporation(NRC), Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Shippers Council, Maritime Academy of Nigeria etc. The DGs or CEOs of the non-Ministerial Parastatals formulates and implements operational policies (as approved by the various boards) which must be in line with that of the Minister's strategic policy of the government. The perm-sec has no such power.

3. Representation:
Constitutionally, each state must have a minister who is nominated and appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Senate. Each minister sits on the Federal Executive Council and they represent their respective states in the Council. The President and the Vice represent the entire federation.
The Perm-sec on the other hand do not have such constitutional defined representation.

4. Is The "Minister" Ceremonial?
Absolutely not! The minister is a politician that understands and believes in the overall goal of the President. He is hired by the President to formulate policies (subject to approval of the president and Federal Executive Council), and then he ensures that these policies and programs of the FG/President are implemented by his Permanent Secretary, DGs and MDs of Agencies under his supervision. He also ensures that policies and programs that are executed by these MDAs under his supervision are in tandem. For instance, the Petroleum Minister is to ensure that the contracts approved by the Ministerial Tender board (Headed by the Perm-sec) are in tandem with the government laid down rules. He must counter sign it to show government's approval. Also, the Petroleum Minister by law is to ensure that policies of the Executive Management of NNPC are to be in line with wish of the government in power. In addition to this, he receives petitions against any Executive staff and Board Chairman/Members of non-ministerial agency within his supervision on behalf of the President. He also advises the President on the best way to address such petition.

Can The Permanent Secretary Function As Minister?
Absolutely Negative! The Permanent Secretary within a ministry cannot supervise the CEO/DG that is under the ministry's supervision. He has no business with policy formulation on behalf of the government. He's not aligned to any political party and he's not hired by the President but by the Civil service. The President can fire any erring minister over non performance or based on any slightest issue or non issue, but he can't fire the perm-sec over "poor performance". The worst he can do is to redeploy the perm-sec in line with the civil service rules. The Perm-sec can only leave the civil service on voluntary/mandatory retirement, death or based on any offence that stipulate the wield stick as punishment.

Nigeria Situation Without Ministers
The situation that we are in under Buhari means that there is nobody to formulate policies for and on behalf of the FG in line with the "Change" of the Buhari's administration. It also means that nobody to supervise ministries, agencies and departments which give room for theft and mismanagement of public funds by civil servants. It means that the public won't be able to experience any policy change anytime soon. It means that the President will dish out "orders" as the spirit directs without analysing core factors. It also means that permanent secretaries and DG/CEOs of Agencies will act in accordance with existing rule aka Auto-Pilot.

Finally, Nigeria is not the first and only country to practice political cabinet Minister in addition to perm-secs of ministries. The Nigeria equivalent of career civil servants perm-sec in the UK is Permanent Under Secretary(PUS), Italy call theirs Secretary-General, Canada (Deputy Minister), Australia (Secretary), USA (Deputy Secretary) etc. All these countries still have cabinet ministers that are incharge with policies and supervision.

I hope we all understand that there is NO WAY President Buhari can effectively bring change without ministers.


God Bless Us All

Well yes, perm sec are regarded as the consummate bureaucrat. They know what must be done and how, they're not particular about meeting deadlines or working within a specific timeline.

Minister, on the other hand could be a politician, technocrat or both who serves both as overseer, and DRIVER of the president's vision within that portfolio, as well as an interface or public relations officer between the presidency and the public.

I agree with this.

Have we considered the fact hiring competent individuals takes due process which takes time. If their resumes don't match up there would be a group of people with their opinion. The country has been mismanaged for years. Would it hurt to wait 6 months if we are going to get it right??

olalat:
But when his committe were asking questions then, u guys said he wanted to form a paralel govt.

Since Buhari is an Obama Puppet, he can ask Obama on how he asked questions on preparation prior to takeover from Bush. Pres-elect Obama was not flying in Airforce 1, he was not meeting with foreign heads of state, etc. Prior to Obama taking over, he already signaled potential nominees for sensitive positions in the govt. Within two weeks, most of his secretaries were submitted to congress for confirmation...Buhari looks like a learner in a democratic setting, more reason he should ask his oga at the top. A month later, we're yet to know who potential nominees are. By the time they are sent to NASS for confirmation, 6 months is gone.

barcanista:
Uncle is that what they told you in APC secretariat? The government still need Ministers to "Reconstruct" the country. Abi na civil servants go do am for Oga @ the top?

with all due respect, past administration hit the ground running, what came out of it?

The president just came in, give him more time!! there are exceptions to every rule in life, Nigeria's problem can only be solved out of the norm & out of the box thinking

I commend your write up, it's educative but give Mr president enough time so see the fruits of his effort regardless of how senseless or slow they are now

PS: I will assume you have watched "karate kid" where Jackie chan subjected his student to "meaningless" exercise, we all know what those exercise turned out to be!!

Genius100:


Barcanista the clown.. If the roles of ministers are as important as you've enunciated above, don't you think Buhari should actually really take the time to select the right people? Not sure you have ever ascended to the managerial level at a reputable company, but how long do you think it takes a manager or senior leader to fill a position that is crucial to the success of a company?

Buhari had ruled Nigeria before. He knows who is who in Nigeria he can appoint minister.

Buhari has been contesting to rule Nigeria in the last 12 years, if he had his eyes on putting Nigeria on the road to greatness, the day he was declared winner of the presidential election, he should have been handy with the list of ministers he intended to use to do the job.

Shame on Nigeria's educational system. We have succeeded in teaching people how to read and write and have forgot to teach them to be objective and also how to have a positive mind of their own. We have just groomed haters, zombies and morons. We don't learn from history at all. How have we done it and how successful have we been? The old way wasn't working and through majority vote we voted for "CHANGE" now a group of people who managed us so poorly for 16yrs are now telling us in just a month that we made the wrong decision. Ppl who don't know how government function will easily fall for all these distractions the PDP is trying to bring upon the APC and Buhari led Presidency. PDP ministers in the lst 16yrs have completely shut out their permanent secretaries and if for any reason there is a change of ministers the perm sec just does a hand over of what he does not know to a new minister who inturn inherit a ministry shrouded in mystery. What is wrong with Buhari taking 2months in using the perm secretaries in knowing the " ACTUAL " staate of our ministries before bringing in a minister who he buhari, the minister and the perm sec will all know and agree on the state of handover and take off point? Buhari cannot be so new and then hving ministers as new as himself all learning at the same time. He should have a fair knowledge of what he is going to be asking somebody to handle for him. I have on my own be for now, giving the Buhari govt 2months to get ministers. If you stand for 1 month the n give your reasons nd how that matches the "Change" Buhari represents? GEJ took 6weeks even when he came in as a substantive president. Buhari will turn things around. The end justifies the means Nikolo Machiaveli. Sabali my people Sabali..

What could that be pls. Oil coys are working, custom, firs, NPA, CBN, all are working. The only area we may be lagging behind is job creation through govt contract e t c. Dnt forget that appointment of these ministers attract overheads nd other allowances acruable their respective offices. C, Buhari is saving a lot of money as a result of the delay. Give this man space pls. Unless u are one of d ministerial hopeful.

barcanista:
So you mean we should "endure" for 3 months? Do you know what we have been losing sMay 29 without functioning ministers? Bros, Nigeria can't endure o

azimibraun:
Shame on Nigeria's educational system. We have succeeded in teaching people how to read and write and have forgot to teach them to be objective and also how to have a positive mind of their own. We have just groomed haters, zombies and morons. We don't learn from history at all. How have we done it and how successful have we been? The old way wasn't working and through majority vote we voted for "CHANGE" now a group of people who managed us so poorly for 16yrs are now telling us in just a month that we made the wrong decision. Ppl who don't know how government function will easily fall for all these distractions the PDP is trying to bring upon the APC and Buhari led Presidency. PDP ministers in the lst 16yrs have completely shut out their permanent secretaries and if for any reason there is a change of ministers the perm sec just does a hand over of what he does not know to a new minister who inturn inherit a ministry shrouded in mystery. What is wrong with Buhari taking 2months in using the perm secretaries in knowing the " ACTUAL " staate of our ministries before bringing in a minister who he buhari, the minister and the perm sec will all know and agree on the state of handover and take off point? Buhari cannot be so new and then hving ministers as new as himself all learning at the same time. He should have a fair knowledge of what he is going to be asking somebody to handle for him. I have on my own be for now, giving the Buhari govt 2months to get ministers. If you stand for 1 month the n give your reasons nd how that matches the "Change" Buhari represents? GEJ took 6weeks even when he came in as a substantive president. Buhari will turn things around. The end justifies the means Nikolo Machiaveli. Sabali my people Sabali..

No, the means justifies the end.

Nigeria miseducated its citizens such that the citizens could not realize that a terror group maligned the tenure of the last administration headed by Jonathan, and unarguably enabled Buhari to become president of Nigeria.
This is the heart of the matter. Something - a presidency - acquired through unjust means.

for once, i'm seeing a political thread devoid of insults, nice one, op.