ICYMI: Lagos asks political appointees to choose PAs from state civil service

The Lagos state government has asked political appointees to select their personal assistants from the civil service.

Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Lagos head of service, said in a circular dated August 18 that the move is necessary to prevent the wage bill of the state from ballooning.

The head of service said appointees who require support staff should source them from the various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the state.

“It is hereby notified for general information that appointments of Personal Assistants from outside the State Public Service by the Honourable Commissioners and Special Advisers, (Cabinet & Non-Cabinet Rank) in the discharge of their day-to-day functions is not in line with the structure in the State Public Service as they will not be allowed any privileges nor permitted to view official documents,” the circular reads.

“However, whilst noting that Personal Assistants play crucial role in supporting Political Appointees towards effective service delivery, this all-important support staff can be internally sourced from Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) in the State by ensuring that qualified and competent Officers are assigned to them, so as not to increase the Wage Bill of the Government.

“Consequently, Political Appointees requesting the need of Personal Assistants are hereby enjoined to liaise with the Accounting Officer of affected MDAs and subsequently forward the Officer’s name to the Public Service Office for deployment.”