How I cope as civil servant, author, philanthropist – Jumai Ahmadu, FCT Director
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
Dr Jumai Ahmadu, a dynamic leader in Nigerias public sector, leads reforms at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) while also empowering communities through her non-profit, the Helpline Foundation Initiative. An author and advocate, she discusses her vision for reform and commitment to positive change in Nigeria in an interview with Saturday Sun.
As the acting Director of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), what are some of the key reforms implemented so far to ensure service delivery in the FCT?
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), we have successfully implemented key reforms initiated by the federal government. Notably, the Ease of Doing Businessn (EODB) initiative has been fully integrated, yielding positive outcomes as evidenced in our activities report. A dedicated Ease of Doing Business committee has been established, and we have formalised this commitment by completing the Service Level Agreements (SLAs). The Standard Operating Procedure has been developed by all departments, awaiting full optimization. Notably, 15 pilot departments are already operating efficiently, showcasing our commitment to enhancing service delivery and efficiency across the FCT.
The social investment programme components have been domesticated in the FCT. The hallmark of these reforms is the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission which has given us hope to reach the peak of our careers. Other notable reforms include streamlined land processes, convenient vehicle inspection and license renewal services, and on-going efforts to network hospitals for seamless access to healthcare across different locations.
How will you utilize retired FCTA and FCDA experts to enhance FCTA services, as highlighted by the FCT Minister recently?
We recognised the need for training and mentorship for our young civil servants due to the large number of retirees and the lack of readiness among the new generation of civil servants. We proposed the creation of a pool of retired directors known as “Retired Directors as Resource”, who could provide their expertise to teach and guide our young staff. This proposal was approved and we held our first meeting with the retired directors in December of last year. They were excited to have the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of civil servants.
Our plan is to utilise the expertise of retired directors in specific departments to provide practical training to our staff, rather than relying on consultants or online resources. We will be meeting with the retired directors on a quarterly basis to keep them updated on department happenings and to continue the knowledge transfer.
Overall, we are confident that this programme will provide our young civil servants with the guidance and training they need to succeed in their careers, while also utilising the valuable experience and knowledge of our retired directors.
Can you share some of the challenges you have faced in your role at the FCTA and how you have overcome them?
The challenge that we encounter in implementing change, much like in any other aspect of society, is resistance from individuals who are hesitant to step out of their comfort zones. They may perceive new policies or procedures as a threat to their job security or privileges, and may be reluctant to share their responsibilities with others. This can manifest in a reluctance to embrace change, with some individuals feeling as if they are being asked to give up their livelihoods.
As a civil servant, there may also be a tendency to protect ones own territory, with individuals feeling that they are the only ones who can perform certain tasks. However, it is important to remember that everyone has a specific role to play, as outlined in the standard operating procedures (SOPs). These procedures dictate that everyone must contribute to the success of their department, and that no one person is responsible for everything.
Despite this resistance, there is still reason for optimism. The number of individuals who are embracing change and recognizing the benefits of innovation is encouraging. To continue moving forward, it may be necessary to keep talking and explaining the benefits of change until everyone is on board. After all, in a globalised world, the ability to adapt and innovate is essential to staying competitive and delivering services efficiently.
I know you are also an author. What inspired you to write these books and what message and lessons do you hope to convey to the readers?
My first endeavour in writing took place in 2011, where I focused on cultivating a highly productive workforce, akin to an ABC process that a civil servant can undergo before achieving such productivity. I delved into topics such as early arrival at work, cleanliness, team spirit, and many other aspects that individuals must embrace, as success is unattainable in isolation, but possible through collective effort. This perspective was shaped by my experiences, having commenced work in 1998 under the leadership of the honourable minister, General Katangura, who was punctual, arriving at the office by 7:30 am. This punctuality created a lively atmosphere at the FCT secretariat, with everyone eager to beat the minister to his time. My observations during those formative years in the service led me to believe that the success or failure of any organisation hinges on the leaders style. When General Katangora left, the subsequent minister was not as punctual, leading to a decline in staff punctuality and overall productivity. This inspired me to contribute my observations and insights in the form of a book, titled: Raising A Highly Productive Workforce.
Has the book helped in reversing the trend?
Not really. But what I did was to engage with the Human Resources Department to suggest that new staff doing documentation can purchase the book or could be supported through donations or discounts if needed.
The second book I wrote is titled “Abuja: The Evolution and Development of a Federal Capital.” This book originated from my PhD thesis, which focused on the Impact of FCT Resettlement Policy on Indigenous Inhabitants. My supervisor suggested that the first three chapters of my thesis contained valuable information about Abuja that was not widely known, and could serve as a historical reference for future generations. As a result, these chapters were compiled into a book that chronicled the history and evolution of the federal capital city. The remaining two chapters focused on the policies of ministers from 1998 to 2015, and how these policies have impacted residents.
My third book, “Rise from the Ashes,” was published just last year and is a collection of stories from widows I have worked with over the years. The book emanated from a documentary we produced and chronicles the challenges these women have faced and how they have overcome them. Currently, I am working on Volume Two of the Abuja story, as many of the key actors involved in the citys development have approached me to share their own experiences and contributions that were not included in the first book.
I know you also work in civil society space through the Helpline Foundation for the Needy. Can you shed more light on your work?
The Helpline Foundation has undergone a rebranding and is now known as the Helpline Social Support Initiative. The organisation was initially registered as Pure Saint Home, inspired by my upbringing. At the age of 10, I was taken from Makurdi to live with my aunt in the village. Her home served as a sanctuary for city dwellers, a place where children were taken to if they were becoming too stubborn for their parents to handle. My aunts house was a “rehab” of sorts, where children were reset and rehabilitated, becoming well behaved and respectful. I stayed with my aunt the longest, from primary school through secondary school, and I observed her generosity and kindness.
After finishing university, I moved to Abuja for my national youth service where I began visiting orphanages, prisons, and communities to preach and provide support, at times accompanied by fellow youth corps members who shared my passion for service. My experiences with my aunt and her dedication to service inspired the creation of the Helpline Social Support Initiative.
All these activities I was involved in during my service year, led me to receive the NYSC Honours Award.it was then I realised that even with the modest effort I had put in, I was able to secure a job without having to rely on connections. Unlike some who could simply make a phone call and secure a position at prestigious institutions like CBN, I did not even apply for a job before completing my service. Three months before the end of my service, Hilton, where I had served, offered me a position due to the tasks I had been handling for them. Despite this opportunity, I chose to pursue a career in the civil service for my professional growth, as I did not see a promising future in the hospitality industry. This decision led me to establish The Helpline Pure Saint Home in 2003, building on the work that had initially secured me a job. Through our activities and with the support of my media friends from my time in the ministers press unit, we gained recognition, with inquiries about the orphanages location prompting us to rebrand in 2010 as Helpline Foundation.
We primarily engage with widows, girls, boys, and vulnerable individuals. Our efforts towards boys are not as extensive as those towards girls and women. Our main focus lies on empowering girls, women, especially widows. The reason for this emphasis is rooted in the experience of a widow whose husband passed away. While he was alive, he provided her with protection, but true love, in our view, involves empowering ones partner to be independent, recognising the inevitability of death. After her husbands death, she found herself stranded in Abuja, having never even visited a market despite living in Garki. Subsequently, she was relocated to the village, disrupting her childrens education, which had been well cared for by their father.
This experience highlighted the importance of empowering women and widows, leading us to prioritise their empowerment. We advise women to develop skills and expertise, even if their husbands are providing for them financially. This is important because the unexpected can happen, such as the death of a spouse. If a woman is not empowered with her own skills and resources, she may struggle to stand on her own and face challenges from in-laws who may try to take away her possessions.
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To address this, we provide skill development training to women, especially those who were not able to acquire skills before the demise of their husbands. We teach them practical skills that they can use to generate income, such as: Making liquid soap, Producing turbans, Baking confectionery, Processing sesame seeds and Cake making.
We have also noticed that some women fall into a form of “modern-day financial slavery.” They may borrow small amounts of money from loan sharks, only to find themselves trapped in a cycle of repayment, where they end up working for the lenders without being able to pay back the full capital. We aim to empower these women with skills and resources to break free from such exploitative situations.
Through these initiatives, we have seen many success stories of women who have been able to become self-reliant and support themselves and their families, even in the face of adversity. By equipping them with practical skills, we are helping to build their resilience and independence.
What is your support base?
Over the years, people have taken notice of the impactful work I have been doing. To support this, I rely on a few key sources of funding and assistance: one is personal savings and farming: As a civil servant, I am allowed to engage in farming activities. The proceeds from my farm help to fund my humanitarian efforts. I also rely on personal savings that I have accumulated over time.
Secondly, my friends, both locally and abroad, have been very generous in providing assistance. Many of my colleagues at the office have also stepped up to support the work I do. They recognise that I have the energy, strength, and team to carry out this important humanitarian service.
Since the Helpline Initiative is an NGO, any donations we receive from abroad come into Nigeria without having to pay taxes. We only need to cover the local transportation costs.
So how do you combine all these, wearing several hats including being a mother and a wife?
As someone who has found success in both my professional and personal life, I attribute much of it to the support of my team, my husband, and my faith in God.
Having a strong, dedicated team that is committed to the shared goals has made my work much easier. Their unwavering support and teamwork have been invaluable.
Similarly, my husband has been a constant source of encouragement. He has given me the space to pursue my passions, while still providing the love and care of a supportive partner. Even when he cant physically be present at events, his emotional backing has been crucial.
Ultimately, I believe it is my faith in God that has truly empowered me. I firmly believe that if God calls you to do something, He will provide the necessary resources and strength to achieve it.
As a woman in a leadership position, what have been your challenges and whats your advice to those aspiring to be in leadership positions?
Unlike the common belief that women do not support other women or that having a woman as a boss can limit ones ability to express oneself, my experience has been quite the opposite. All the female bosses I have had have been exceptional in allowing me to thrive and reach my full potential.
The first was Hajia Amina Salihu, whom I mentioned earlier. She encouraged me to express myself to the highest level, even when she knew my capabilities were limited for a particular task. She would push me to deliver, and although I used to call her a “slave driver,” I now look back on that experience with gratitude, as it has made me better.
Others are the immediate past Minister of FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Hajia Hadiza Abdullahi, former Director of Human Resources and Mrs Achu. They all validated me, gave me the platform, and provided everything I needed to express myself.
At the same time, I have encountered other women who were waiting for me to fail. However, I have learned to look beyond their actions and stay focused on my assignments, delivering to the best of my abilities. If there are ways to help those seeking my downfall, I make an effort to do so, as it will not stop my progress. After all, if a woman succeeds, women will be celebrated, but if she fails, women will also be blamed. As a woman in a leadership position, it is important to keep opening doors for others to come in, sit at the table, and express themselves.
Shirley Chisholm, a pioneering American politician, once said: “If they dont give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair and sit on the table, and leave the door open for other women to come in.” This sentiment encapsulates my philosophy of empowerment and inclusivity.
As women, we should strive to support one another collectively, rather than trying to outshine each other. When one woman succeeds, we all succeed, and this builds confidence in our abilities and creates more opportunities for us at the table. We should stop playing to the gallery and genuinely support each others endeavours.
What are your future projects?
As an aspiring entrepreneur and philanthropist in Africa, my goal is to have the resources to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of those in need. The worst thing that can happen to someone is to be in a position of having to beg, entirely dependent on the generosity of others. Imagine sharing your story and being told that there are no funds available to help.
For many Africans, a relatively small amount of capital can make a significant difference. Ive seen examples of women who were given just ₦5,000 to start an akara (bean cake) business in their local community. Before long, they were able to expand into selling pap and noodles, becoming successful entrepreneurs. Another individual received ₦10,000 to start a sesame seed and toasted corn business, and is now supplying schools and supermarkets in Abuja.
The truth is, many Nigerians dont need grand, complex solutions from the government. Often, the basics – a little bit of seed funding, access to resources, and the opportunity to be self-sufficient – are all thats required. As an entrepreneur philanthropist, which I aspire to be, my prayer is to have the means to open more doors for people in my community, state, country, and across Africa. By empowering individuals through micro financing and addressing their fundamental needs, I believe I can make a truly transformative impact.
So what do you do for fun? What are your favourite travel spots?
I enjoy watching Nigerian soap operas and TV series like Flatmates, Johnsons, and Tinsels. These captivating shows provide an entertaining window into Nigerian culture and storytelling.
In addition to my other activities, Im currently working on writing another book. This creative project often has me waking up at night to make progress on it.
As part of my work, I monitor our companys social media page for the FCT (Federal Capital Territory) and provide motivational “pep talks” to our online community.
Traveling is one of my great passions. I particularly enjoy visiting places in America and Canada, as well as exploring different parts of Africa, such as Rwanda.
Overall, I have a diverse range of hobbies and interests that keep me engaged, entertained, and fulfilled. From Nigerian dramas to creative writing to social media management and travel, Im able to pursue a variety of activities that I find rewarding and enjoyable.