Yobe Suspends Service Transfer From Local Government To State Civil Service

The Yobe State Government has suspended all Transfers of Service (TOS) from the Local Government Service to the State Mainstream Civil Service with immediate effect.

The decision followed the observation by the Office of the Head of Service of a growing number of TOS requests being forwarded through the State Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The State Government clarified that, as an anticipatory control measure, the Office of the Head of Service does not approve transfers from the Local Government system to the State Mainstream Civil Service, except where such approval is expressly granted by the Governor, and subsequently conveyed by the Office of the Head of Service.

The Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, disclosed that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are, therefore, advised to take note and comply strictly with the directive.

It was further explained that the mass approvals for Transfer of Service granted in the past were deliberate and strategic. He said they were aimed at addressing critical manpower shortages that arose following the retirement of officers who began their service in the old Borno State before the creation of Yobe State in 1991.

He added that this intervention was necessary at the time to prevent administrative gaps within MDAs and to ensure smooth transitional succession planning.

However, the State Government noted that the situation has since changed, as the State was now adequately staffed with competent, senior and experienced officers across various cadres in all MDAs. Consequently, the transfer of personnel from the Local Government system into the State Civil Service is no longer considered necessary.

He also urged all categories of civil servants to remain committed and dedicated to their duties, while continuously improving their skills through on-the-job training and other capacity-building programmes provided by the Government.

Civil servants were further encouraged to acquire relevant academic qualifications and professional certifications to enhance their competence and competitiveness at both national and global levels.

LEADERSHIP gathered that, all MDAs have been directed to give the circular the widest possible circulation and ensure strict compliance, as contained in a letter issued and signed by Head of Service.