Yobe Halts New Contract Appointments

The Yobe State Government has imposed an immediate embargo on all new contract appointments throughout the State Public Service. This significant policy shift follows a direct directive from Governor Mai Mala Buni.

The directive was formally communicated in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa Shehu. It confirms that the government will no longer process or entertain any new applications for contract engagements across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The policy provides a transitional arrangement for current personnel, stipulating that all serving contract officers will be allowed to complete the remainder of their existing contracts.

However, the circular makes it clear that once a current tenure expires, “no renewal, extension or re-engagement will be approved,” ensuring a hard stop to the practice.

The embargo, while broad, acknowledges the necessity of maintaining certain critical services. It specifically excludes a limited category of personnel whose skills are deemed essential for the continuous operation of sensitive sectors.

These exempted categories include Medical Doctors and other Health Professionals, Expatriates, and Specialized Technical Personnel.

Even for these excluded groups, the government has imposed stringent approval requirements. Any request for contract engagement must be clearly justified and submitted for prior approval from the Office of the Head of Service.

The circular emphasized the need for strict compliance from all MDAs, issuing a warning that any violation of the new policy will be treated as a serious breach of established Public Service procedures.

The government framed this policy shift as a strategic and transformative reform. The goal is to enhance internal succession planning and significantly strengthen career management within the Yobe State Public Service, ensuring stability and professional growth for permanent staff.