Dr. Magdalene Nwanwuche Ajani. |
Much like a sturdy tree weathering the stones and sticks thrown its way, Dr. Magdalene Nwanwuche Ajani's illustrious career has stood firm against attempts to tarnish her reputation, driven by her unwavering commitment to upholding moral standards and refusing to succumb to the status quo of corruption and complacency. Amidst the storm of adversity, Dr. Ajani remains a beacon of integrity and transformative leadership in the public service.
In
the tradition of historic American figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosa
Parks, Dr. Ajani exemplifies unwavering courage, resilience, and visionary
leadership. Despite facing malicious attacks branding her as arrogant and
power-hungry, Dr. Ajani's true character shines through, earning admiration and
respect from those who truly know her.
Throughout
her tenure as Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ajani has spearheaded a multitude of
transformative initiatives aimed at revolutionizing Nigeria's transport sector
and advancing the nation's maritime and blue economy. From leading the
implementation of the Deep Blue Project to revitalizing the Nigerian Railway
System and championing gender mainstreaming efforts, her impact echoes the pioneering
spirit of Susan B. Anthony in the fight for equality and progress.
Moreover,
Dr. Ajani's commitment to innovation and transparency has led to significant
advancements within the Ministry, exemplified by the successful adoption of the
Filetra Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS). This digital platform has
not only increased productivity and efficiency but has also fostered a culture
of accountability and collaboration, akin to the revolutionary impact of Amelia
Earhart's daring feats in aviation.
The
tangible outcomes of Dr. Ajani's leadership are undeniable. Since the launch of
the Filetra ECMS, the Ministry has experienced a substantial increase in
productivity, with a remarkable 78% improvement within the first two months
alone. Document processing has become more streamlined and efficient, leading
to significant cost savings and improved staff engagement.
Here
are some of her achievements as captured by Staff of the Ministry:
Digitizing
the Ministry's Workflow, pioneering it as the first Service-wide.
Prioritizing
capacity building with the majority of staff undergoing various trainings
yearly.
Implementing
the Performance Management System mandated by the Office of the Head of the
Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), establishing the Ministry as a
trailblazer.
Overhauling
and upgrading the Ministry's ICT software and hardware.
Developing
and managing the Ministry website in-house, with daily updates on Ministerial
activities.
Ensuring
uninterrupted power supply and providing the Minister with a comfortable
working environment.
Establishing
a state-of-the-art Gym to promote staff health and welfare.
Setting
up an IPPIS HR center to assist staff.
Elevating
the Ministry's Sports team to one of the best service-wide.
Enhancing
the Ministry's global presence through internet service provision.
Implementing
continuity and succession plans by empowering middle cadre officers.
Renovating
and modernizing the Ministry's Reception, among other achievements.
The
achievements as highlighted by the Staff of the Ministry include:
The
noticeable improvement in the appearance of our Ministries.
The
enhanced environmental hygiene standards within the Ministries.
The
provision of modern computer systems at workstations for over 90% of the
Ministry's Staff.
The
consistent monitoring and evaluation of Contractors' and Consultants'
activities on project sites.
The
prudent management of the Ministry's budget appropriations.
The
establishment of comprehensive work plans guiding yearly programs within the
Ministries.
The
implementation of yearly and compulsory Departmental Training Programs for all
staff, with some departments offering multiple training opportunities.
The
introduction of annual reward and recognition initiatives for deserving staff
by the same Permanent Secretary.
The
introduction of send-forth parties with awards and parting gifts for retirees
from the Ministries by the same Permanent Secretary.
The
procurement of sports attire for all staff of the Ministries, regardless of
their participation in sports activities.
The
proposal to establish a daycare center within the Ministry to cater to staff
members' minor children.
The
ongoing plan to establish a Staff Clinic within the Ministries under the
leadership of the outgoing Permanent Secretary.
Industry Achievements:
Implementation of the Deep Blue Project, a maritime security
initiative aimed at combating piracy and illegal activities in the Gulf of
Guinea and Nigeria's territorial waters.
Development of IOPC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and the
National Oil Pricing Index, deposited with the IOPC & IOPC fund office in
London in 2022.
Supervision of the development and operationalization of the
Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Driven the completion of the Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano, with
several others at advanced completion stages.
Led the review of the draft National Transport Policy, targeting
the resolution of challenges in the transport sector and the promotion of
sustainable transportation systems.
Revitalization of the Nigerian Railway System, including the
completion and utilization of the Lagos-Ibadan line, utilization of the
Warri-Itakpe line, and significant progress on other rail projects
(Kaduna-Kano, Kano-Maradi, and rehabilitation of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri).
Implementation of E-Ticketing on all Standard gauge rail lines
(Abuja-Kaduna in 2021, Warri-Itakpe & Lagos-Ibadan in Nov 2023).
Progression of the bill for the establishment of a regulatory
body, the National Transportation Commission.
Promotion of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the Transport
Sector.
Leading efforts to upgrade the country's ports and enhance their
efficiency through the digitization of cargo handling and clearance processes.
Driving the development of the Truck Transit Parks (TTP)
project, providing logistics hubs and rest areas for truck drivers.
Leading Gender mainstreaming and inclusive strategies within the
Ministry.
Consistently ensuring the Ministry ranks in the top 3 in the
implementation of FCSSIP 25.
The Marine and Blue Economy Ministry was the first to cascade
the Ministerial Performance Bond to its Departments and Agencies in November
2023.
The first to launch the Enterprise Content Management System
(ECMS) Ministry-wide, significantly improving the digital management of files
and workflows, leading to a 60% reduction in stationary usage in 2023.
The first Ministry to implement all phases of the new
Performance Management System, including planning, evaluation, and signing
Performance Management Contracts with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for all
Staff.
The first Ministry to conduct performance reviews and sessions
in the public service, enhancing transparency and accountability.
The first Ministry to fully migrate all staff members to the
IPPIS Human resource module and utilize all its components fully.
Migration of ALL staff members to the official email platform.
Improvement on the ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance
Scorecard, moving the Ministry from underperformance in 2020 to Substantial
performance (74% and 4th position amongst MDAs in 2021), and to 85% and 1st
among the MDAs in 2023.
Conclusion
As Dr. Ajani continues to cruise through a thriving
career, her legacy stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership
and the enduring impact of excellence. Like the trailblazers of American
history who fought against injustice and inequality, Dr. Magdalene Nwanwuche
Ajani continues to etch an indelible mark on the annals of public service in
the country, inspiring future generations to uphold integrity, pursue
excellence, and strive for a brighter future.
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