APER Forms Phased Out: Perm Sec Unveils New Staff Assessment Method

The Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs has officially phased out the Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) form, replacing it with a modern Performance Management System (PMS). This development signals a significant shift in how civil servants will be assessed moving forward.

Dr. Mariam Keshinro, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, made this announcement during the official launch of the PMS for ministry staff on Friday in Abuja.

The PMS was initially introduced in 2023 under the leadership of Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. At the time, Yemi-Esan emphasized that the new system would fully replace the APER form in evaluations related to promotion exams.

In her address to staff, Dr. Keshinro explained that the PMS is intended to enhance the performance, responsibility, and accountability of civil servants. She highlighted that the new system is a core element of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP-25), aimed at modernizing the civil service.

“The objective of this launch is to create public awareness about the second pillar of the Reform Agenda, as introduced by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation,” Keshinro said. “The Performance Management System is not just a tool; it is a transformative approach designed to align individual performance with the broader mission of our ministry. It promotes a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability, all essential for the success of our public service.”

Dr. Keshinro also urged the ministry’s PMS Core Team and departmental champions to take active roles in ensuring the successful implementation of the reform agenda across all departments.

In a notable side announcement, Keshinro informed staff that the uniform introduced for the launch would now be worn every Thursday.

Earlier, Dr. Cyprian Kpakol, Director of Policy Implementation and Monitoring of Government Decisions at the ministry, praised the efforts of the various teams that have worked to make the PMS a reality. He stressed that the success of this large-scale reform could not be achieved by just a few individuals, noting that several committees—including the Projects Management Team, PMS Core Team, and Departmental Champions—have been instrumental in the process.

“The teams have worked diligently to bring us to where we are today,” Kpakol said, adding that the ministry is fully committed to delivering on the Federal Government’s objectives through the successful implementation of the PMS.