The Federal Ministry of Finance is the engine room of the Nigerian economy and a key player in ensuring national stability, according to outgoing Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya.
She made these remarks during her retirement and handover ceremony held in Abuja on Friday.
Mrs. Jafiya emphasised that any mistake or disunity within the ministry could have far-reaching consequences for the wider society.”We must not drop the ball; the Ministry of Finance has always remained at the forefront of its responsibilities,” she stated.
She called on the management and staff to extend their full support to the incoming Permanent Secretary, noting that she had served in various ministries before culminating her distinguished career in finance.
Departing with a heart full of gratitude, Mrs. Jafiya acknowledged the immense support received from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of State, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.”This ministry has been one of the finest professional environments I could have ever wished for,” she added.
The outgoing Permanent Secretary praised the directors and staff for their exceptional collaboration and esprit de corps, crediting their teamwork for overcoming every challenge.
She also expressed appreciation to the media for their fairness and professionalism, saying: “A word from the media can build or damage an institution.
Thank you for standing by us and for your positive coverage.”Furthermore, Mrs. Jafiya commended the ministry’s unions for their steadfast commitment to staff welfare and urged them to continue prioritising workers’ needs.Addressing the incoming Permanent Secretary, Mr. Raymond Omachi, she said: “He has supported me tirelessly right up to retirement.
Please extend the same cooperation to him—you will enjoy working with him.””I am deeply grateful for the honour of this gathering.
There is a time to begin and a time to end. I thank the Almighty God for sustaining me throughout these years.
The civil service is a rewarding place to work, especially with commitment and dedication,” she concluded.In response, the new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Raymond Omachi, lauded Mrs.
Jafiya as an exemplary leader.”You have built not just a team, but a highly committed group of directors. I will follow the strong foundation you have laid and build upon it,” he promised.Mr.
Omachi also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and the Minister for the opportunity to serve.
The directors of the ministry were all in attendance at the event, where they collectively praised the outgoing Permanent Secretary for her unwavering commitment to the institution and the well-being of its staff.
