ILORIN, NIGERIA — The Kwara State Government has approved the 2024 and 2025 promotion exercises for workers across the state civil service, agencies, and media houses, clearing a backlog that had stagnated the career progression of thousands of employees for two years.
The approval, announced on Wednesday in Ilorin by the State Head of Service, Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole, follows a meeting of the State Civil Service Commission and the Local Government Service Commission, where the promotion requests were reviewed and endorsed. The exercises will cover eligible workers in the core civil service, parastatals, and the state-owned media organisations.
According to the Head of Service, the promotion exercises will be conducted in line with established public service rules, with written examinations and oral interviews scheduled for eligible candidates. She explained that the government had concluded arrangements to ensure a transparent and merit-driven process, adding that the promotion panels would comprise experienced administrators and professionals drawn from relevant agencies.
“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the conduct of the 2024 and 2025 promotion exercises for our workers. This is in fulfilment of his administration’s commitment to the welfare and career development of the state’s workforce,” Oluwole stated. “The promotion is not just about moving to the next level; it is about recognising hard work, dedication, and the contributions of our workers to the development of Kwara State.”
The Chairman of the Kwara State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Salman Ibrahim, said the commission had put in place measures to ensure a smooth and credible exercise. He urged eligible workers to prepare adequately and to shun any form of malpractice, warning that anyone found engaging in unethical practices would be disqualified.
The state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress commended the government for clearing the promotion backlog, describing the decision as a morale booster for workers. The unions, however, urged the government to ensure that the financial implications of the promotions, including arrears, are promptly addressed.
“This is a welcome development. Our members have waited for too long for their promotions. We appreciate the governor for listening to our pleas,” said the NLC chairman in Kwara State. “We appeal to the government to also ensure that the arrears arising from these promotions are paid promptly to motivate the workers.”
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to journalists expressed joy at the development, describing it as a long-awaited relief. A civil servant in the Ministry of Finance, who simply gave her name as Mrs Adebayo, said the promotion would improve her morale and commitment to duty. “I have been on the same level for eight years. This promotion means a lot to me and my family,” she said.
The Kwara State Government has also approved the payment of arrears arising from the promotions, with the first tranche expected to be paid alongside September salaries. The government said the promotion exercises would be completed within three months, with successful candidates receiving their letters of promotion thereafter. For the workers of Kwara State, the approval marks a significant step in restoring confidence in the state’s commitment to their welfare and professional growth.
