TheCable

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, on Wednesday relieved 20 permanent secretaries in the state of their positions.

The governor based the action on his decision to cut the cost of running government.

In a statement issued by Samuel Aruwan, his special assistant on media and publicity, el-Rufai said the decision has made him fulfill his promise of reducing ministries in the state from 19 to 13.

“In line with its resolve to cut the cost of running government, the Kaduna state government has announced the retirement of 20 permanent secretaries,” the statement read.

“This decision follows the streamlining of ministries in the state from 19 to a leaner 13, as part of efforts to free up resources to be used for providing schools, hospitals, roads and other public goods.

“The government, which had at inception declared its determination to cut costs, drive efficiency and improve service delivery, is continuing the restructuring of its agencies. To ensure that the number of permanent secretaries is properly aligned with the new structure, there will be only 13 permanent secretaries for the 13 ministries.

“The governor has conveyed his appreciation for the services the departing permanent secretaries have offered the state, and he has wished them the best in their future endeavours.”