To boost efficient and quality service delivery to Nigerians, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Faruk Yabo, has urged staff to redouble their commitment.
He made the call in Abuja while speaking at the opening of the 2025 Customer Service Week with the theme “Mission: Possible,”
He said the week is an opportunity for public servants to reflect on how well they serve the citizens.
The Permanent Secretary was represented at the event by the Director, Human Resource Management, Mrs. Ijeoma Idika.
At the occasion, he challenged staff of the Ministry to take personal responsibility for the nation’s progress.
Engr Yabo, in a statement by Kania Maliki Andeyaba, Head (Press and Public Relations Department ), also noted that inefficiency in governance often begins with individual lapses within the civil service.
He said “Whenever we say Nigeria is not working, we must ask ourselves who makes up Nigeria. Every ministry, department, and agency represents a part of the system when any of them fails, we all fail,”
The Permanent Secretary, enjoined officers to handle assignments promptly and with enthusiasm, stressing that “excellence is achieved by doing what is right, at the right time, and with the right attitude.”
He also called for teamwork and a renewed spirit of service, adding that every encounter with citizens should reflect empathy, professionalism, and dedication.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, who was represented by Mr. Ime Ekrikpo at the occasion, commended the celebration.
According to him, the theme challenges civil servants to see possibilities where others see obstacles.
“Our mission is to make service excellence a way of life, not a one-off event and indeed, it is possible,” he reiterated.
In her goodwill message, the representative of the Acting National Coordinator, SERVICOM, Mrs. Lucy M. Zach-Ukoh, encouraged members of the staff to remain consistent and team oriented, stressing that no challenge is beyond solution.
“Every problem has a solution. Stay consistent, work together, and turn challenges into opportunities,” she advised.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Acting Director of Reforms, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Salisu Attah, commended the dedication of staff and reaffirmed the Ministry’s strong collaboration with SERVICOM in promoting efficiency and accountability.
He also urged members of staff to remain focused, insisting that no challenge is insurmountable when there's a collective effort to work.