Speaking on Thursday at a high-level meeting in Abuja, Director-General of BPSR, Dr. Dasuki Arabi, emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating, “This is a presidential assignment of significant importance; the production of these handbooks marks a significant step toward ensuring that Presidential Aides operate within well-defined structures and adhere to the highest standards of public administration.”
Arabi explained that the handbook would provide clear guidelines on roles, responsibilities, and expected conduct, ensuring consistency and professionalism.
“Beyond the Office of the President, these handbooks will serve as a model for procedural guidance for aides across the federal public service, reinforcing best practices in governance,” he noted.
A representative from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Adegoke Elerika, outlined the rationale behind the directive. “Many aides are uncertain about their responsibilities, leading to inefficiencies and complaints. To address these concerns, the government has deemed it necessary to develop a comprehensive procedural handbook,” he stated.
The handbook aims to define clear responsibilities to prevent role overlap, strengthen coordination within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, enhance accountability and efficiency, prevent power struggles and internal conflicts, improve productivity and decision-making, promote specialization and expertise, strengthen public perception and credibility, and enhance crisis management capabilities.
Additionally, Adegoke noted that “a section of the handbook would specifically address the code of ethics for Presidential Aides, particularly Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to the President.”
All participants at the meeting committed to ensuring the successful development and timely completion of the procedural handbooks.