Nigeria’s New Performance Management System Explained

Understanding Nigeria’s New Performance Management System (PMS)

For decades, Nigeria’s civil service relied on the Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER). But APER was flawed; it lacked alignment with national goals, failed to encourage accountability, and ultimately led to poor service delivery.

In 2022, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation introduced a new Performance Management System (PMS) to replace APER and transform how public servants are evaluated.

Why PMS Matters

The PMS is not just about appraisals; it’s about reforming Nigeria’s civil service. The system aims to:

• Align ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) with national strategic plans.

• Set clear, measurable goals (SMART targets) for employees.

• Improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

• Reward high performers and support underperformers with development plans.

• Strengthen public trust by linking government performance to citizen impact.

Key Features of the PMS

1. Goal Alignment

Every civil servant’s objectives now link directly to:

• National Development Plans

• Medium Term Sector Strategies (MTSS)

• Annual budgets and sector priorities

This ensures everyone, from top ministries to junior staff, works toward the same big-picture goals.

2. The Employee Performance Cycle

The PMS introduces a structured cycle of:

• Planning – employees and supervisors agree on job objectives and KPIs.

• Review – monthly check-ins and quarterly reviews.

• Appraisal – formal quarterly and end-of-year evaluations.

3. SMART Targets & KPIs

Employees must agree on 3–7 SMART objectives tied to their job description and departmental goals. Progress is measured through clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

4. Rewards & Sanctions

Exceed expectations → recognition and career advancement.

Underperform → a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is triggered, with coaching and training support.

Continued underperformance may lead to HR actions.

5. Transparency & Dispute Resolution

Employees can appeal appraisals. Disputes are resolved at the HR department level and, if needed, escalated to Staff Committees.

Why This Reform Is Important

Nigeria’s bureaucracy has long struggled with inefficiency. By embedding accountability and regular reviews, PMS:

• Promotes a culture of performance over connections.

• Strengthens citizen trust in government services.

• Position Nigeria’s civil service to deliver better outcomes aligned with Vision 2025 and beyond.

Final Word

The PMS is a bold shift away from the “business as usual” culture in government. For civil servants, it means clarity, accountability, and recognition. For citizens, it promises better service delivery and governance outcomes.

🌍 If implemented faithfully, PMS could mark the rebirth of Nigeria’s public service.