The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to commence quarterly assessments of the performance of its 48 ministers beginning in January 2024, coinciding with the receipt of the budget for the 2024 fiscal year by the ministries. The assessments will culminate in an annual scorecard, which will be reviewed during periodic retreats, evaluating performances against key performance indicators. A performance bond, outlining each ministry’s deliverables for the 2024 budget cycle, will also be signed by the ministers and Permanent Secretaries.
Key Points:
- Quarterly assessments of ministerial performance will commence in January 2024, with an annual scorecard to be reviewed during periodic retreats.
- A cabinet retreat in early November will define key performance indicators, and ministers will sign a performance bond detailing their ministry’s deliverables for the 2024 budget cycle.
- The performance bond will be used to track the performance of each minister, and citizens will be encouraged to participate in the assessment process through an application or software.
- Deliverables for each ministry must align with the 2024 budgetary provisions.
- The process involves defining deliverables for each ministry, which cascade to the respective agencies within the sector. These deliverables are translated into key performance indicators.
- Each ministry has been mandated to ensure that their deliverables align with their budgetary provision for submission.
Analysis: This initiative by the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement quarterly assessments of ministerial performance, along with an annual scorecard, is a significant step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. It provides a structured framework for evaluating the effectiveness of ministries and holding ministers accountable for their performance. Additionally, involving citizens through an application or software demonstrates a commitment to citizen engagement in the governance process. The alignment of deliverables with budgetary provisions is a crucial aspect to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively towards achieving set goals. The success of this initiative will depend on its rigorous implementation, timely feedback mechanisms, and a commitment to act on the findings of the assessments.
