HoS Warns Civil Servants of Consequence of Executive Orders Infractions

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, has vowed to impose sanctions on civil servants found wanting in the implementation of the Executive Orders signed by Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on May 18.

She issued the warning yesterday at a one-day workshop for directorate cadre in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs) titled: ‘The operationalisation of the Executive Orders on promotion of transparency and efficiency in the business environment.’
The workshop was organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

She urged civil servants to ensure the success of the Executive Orders designed to improve business environment in Nigeria and promote foreign direct investments through transparency.

She also advised the MDAs to adopt openness in the conduct of their functions, particularly in contracting procedures and the publishing of contracts.
Oyo-Ita mandated public workers to promote a vibrant local industry by ensuring at least 40 per cent local content in all procurement procedures.

The Executive Order E01 is built around five main planks: transparency, default approvals, entry experience for travellers and visitors, ports operation and one government, collectively known in local parlance as ‘the ease of doing business’. Under the transparency column, all MDAs are bound to publish a complete list of fees, timelines, conditions and requirements for obtaining permits, licences and approvals.

‘’The provisions of the Executive Order E01 is the focus of this gathering and I therefore enjoin you all to demonstrate commitment and support for the declared policy directives of government and expertise required to drive this policy direction of government to fruition,” Oyo-Ita said.

The federal government signed into laws three ‘’Executive Orders E01, E02 1nd E03’’ to help promote efficiency, transparency, accountability in its daily business and.encourage foreign investment in Nigeria thereby, creating employment and increasing the nation’s Gross Domestic Prduct (GDP).

In her opening remarks, the acting Secretary Government of the Federation, Dr. Habiba Lawal said that being the main organ of government in project execution, the civil service must show the way for the Orders to be successful.