Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Tuesday inaugurated 19 new Permanent Secretaries, marking the biggest single batch of such appointments in the state’s history.

The ceremony took place at the International Conference Centre in Gombe.

According to a statement signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General of Press Affairs, the new appointments raise to 55 the total number of Permanent Secretaries appointed by the Inuwa administration in the last seven and a half years. Over 100 directors have also been promoted to the senior cadre during the same period.

The Governor said the appointments were part of efforts to strengthen government institutions, fill manpower gaps, and build a civil service that can sustain development beyond 2027.

The highlight of the event was Inuwa’s announcement that his government is set to embark on a major recruitment drive into the state civil service.

He attributed the planned hiring to the completion of a biometric verification exercise that has provided accurate data on the state workforce.

Inuwa said he has mandated the Head of Civil Service, in collaboration with the State Civil Service Commission, to carry out a full assessment of staffing needs across all MDAs. This, he noted, will determine existing vacancies and guide the recruitment process.

“The exercise will set the stage for fresh employment before my tenure ends on May 29, 2027,” he stated.

The Governor defended the biometric attendance system, saying that despite initial criticism, it has helped eliminate ghost workers, curb absenteeism, and save the state billions of naira. He added that the data from the system now allows for a more strategic and needs-based approach to hiring.

Inuwa said civil service reform has been a key focus of his administration. He cited the creation of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms as part of measures to improve efficiency, accountability and service delivery.

He also stressed that workers’ welfare remains a priority of his government.

On the selection process, the Governor said merit, competence and fair representation guided the choice of the new Permanent Secretaries.

He urged them to view their appointments as a duty to serve, not a personal reward.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Musa Mohammed Babaji thanked the Governor for the opportunity and pledged that they would serve with diligence, loyalty and professionalism.