Livestock Ministry Moves to Institutionalise PMS

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reiterated its commitment to the full implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) as a critical tool for institutional strengthening, accountability, and effective service delivery in line with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25).

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, stated this in her keynote address at the two-day Ministerial Performance Retreat for Directors and Chief Executive Officers of Agencies under the supervision of the Ministry, which commenced in Abuja on Monday, 22 December 2025.

Dr. Akujobi emphasised that the retreat marked a transition from planning to action, noting that the signing of performance contracts which will take place on Tuesday must be followed by strict adherence to agreed principles and deliverables. 

She assured participants that the Ministry would provide the necessary systems and institutional support required to succeed, stressing that effective performance begins with a clear understanding of processes rather than an overreliance on funding. 

She explained that the PMS, anchored in Chapter 5 of the newly revised Public Service Rules, replaces the Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) and now serves as the basis for promotions, rewards and recognition, capacity building, and sanctions for underperformance.  

Dr. Akujobi further stressed that the retreat was convened to institutionalise PMS through the development of standardised performance contract templates for Directors, guide Chief Executives of Agencies in defining Key Result Areas, and ensure full compliance with OHCSF guidelines.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Stephen Ohaeri, described PMS as a credible and objective framework that promotes transparency, excellence, and fairness in performance appraisal. 

He explained that the system shifts performance assessment from routine, activity-based reporting to a structured, results-driven approach focused on clear targets, measurable outcomes, and continuous improvement. 

Delivering a presentation on the topic, "Understanding the New MDA Performance Management System - An Overview," representative from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Abiodun Ajayi, noted that the traditional APER system had been in use for over four decades. 

He noted that attaining improved outcomes in the Federal Civil Service demands a clear shift away from obsolete processes, stressing that as the backbone of national development, the public service must function with greater efficiency, accountability, and measurable results to effectively deliver government policies and programmes.

The retreat, themed “Institutionalising the Performance Management System in the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development,” continues as part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to entrench a performance-driven culture across its departments and agencies.

Ogochukwu Igboamalu
Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Information)
22nd December 2025