Role | Mandate

Mandate of the Office

The Office of the Head of Service (OHOS) is statutorily mandated to serve as the administrative and managerial hub of the Delta State Civil Service. As the highest authority within the bureaucratic structure, the OHOS is responsible for the coordination, regulation, and strategic leadership of all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the state.

The primary mandate of the Office is to ensure a highly functional, merit-driven, and results-oriented civil service that effectively implements government policies and delivers value-driven public services to the people of Delta State.

The mandate is derived from:

  • The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • The Delta State Civil Service Rules

  • Executive directives and policy frameworks issued by the State Government

  • Core Functions

The OHOS carries out a wide range of functions central to the effective management and development of the public service in Delta State. These functions include, but are not limited to:

Human Resource Oversight

  • Coordinating all civil service recruitment, promotion, posting, and retirement activities.

  • Managing staff career progression and development in line with service rules.

  • Ensuring strict adherence to merit and qualification-based appointments.

Policy Formulation and Implementation

  • Developing and issuing administrative policies, regulations, and service circulars.

  • Interpreting and guiding the application of Civil Service Rules across MDAs.

  • Advising the Governor and State Executive Council on civil service and workforce matters.

Capacity Building and Staff Development

  • Organizing induction courses, workshops, and retreats for civil servants.

  • Identifying and implementing training needs assessments.

  • Partnering with public and private training institutions to build a knowledgeable and competent workforce.

Service Discipline and Ethics

  • Enforcing discipline, integrity, and ethical conduct within the civil service.

  • Investigating and managing cases of misconduct in accordance with due process.

  • Promoting a service culture based on accountability, diligence, and patriotism.

Institutional Reform and Innovation

  • Spearheading public service reform initiatives and modernization programs.

  • Driving the digital transformation of civil service operations (e-governance).

  • Coordinating organizational restructuring for improved efficiency and service delivery.

Welfare and Pensions Administration

  • Overseeing staff welfare matters including health, housing, and social support.

  • Coordinating the timely processing of pensions and gratuities for retired staff.

  • Ensuring smooth interface with the Delta State Pensions Bureau.

Performance Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Monitoring the performance of MDAs in service delivery.

  • Introducing key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive productivity.

  • Conducting periodic audits of service output and compliance.

Records and Establishment Matters

  • Maintaining accurate service records, seniority lists, and establishment books.

  • Managing workforce data and digital employee registries.

  • Ensuring all public service documentation is up-to-date and digitized where applicable.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Liaising with professional bodies, labour unions, and development partners.

  • Engaging civil servants through regular communication and feedback mechanisms.

  • Promoting collaboration among government institutions for a unified public service agenda.

Advisory Role

  • Acting as the chief adviser to the Governor on all matters relating to the civil service.

  • Providing guidance to Permanent Secretaries and Heads of MDAs on administrative procedures.

  • Facilitating inter-ministerial coordination for seamless policy execution.

Strategic Direction

The Office is currently focused on driving reforms around:

  • Digital Governance: Automating internal processes and introducing online services.

  • Workforce Renewal: Attracting and retaining the best talent into the public service.

  • Service Delivery Improvement: Enhancing responsiveness, professionalism, and efficiency.

  • Performance Culture: Embedding accountability and productivity metrics across all cadres.

Final Word

The Office of the Head of Service stands at the forefront of public sector transformation in Delta State. With clear mandates and structured functions, the OHOS continues to drive the vision of a smart, citizen-focused, and modern civil service equipped to meet the challenges of contemporary governance.

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