Katsina, January 6, 2026 – In a significant move that underscores a commitment to both professional merit and strategic governance, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has approved the appointment of three new Permanent Secretaries to the state’s civil service. The most notable appointment is that of Mr. Tukur Hassan-Dan Ali, the sitting Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council.
The announcement was formally made by the State’s Head of Civil Service, Malam Falalu Bawale, through a statement issued by his office’s Head of Communication, Abubakar Yaro-Bindawa, on Tuesday.
The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are:
- Mr. Tukur Hassan-Dan Ali – From Danmusa Local Government Area and current Chairman of the NUJ Katsina Council.
- Mr. Junaidu Muntari – From Kankara Local Government Area.
- Mr. Yahaya Abdullahi – From Safana Local Government Area.
Deeper Context: A Shift Towards Meritocracy and Strategic Appointments
This appointment batch is notable for several reasons beyond the routine filling of senior administrative positions. The statement explicitly emphasized that the selections were “based on merit,” following a rigorous examination conducted by the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN). This highlights a potential shift in the state’s appointment philosophy, moving away from patronage and towards a competency-based system designed to enhance institutional efficiency.
The appointment of a sitting NUJ Chairman is particularly strategic. It can be interpreted as a bridge-building gesture between the state government and the media fraternity. By elevating a recognized leader from the Fourth Estate, Governor Radda may be seeking to foster a more transparent and collaborative relationship with the press, acknowledging its critical role in governance and public accountability. Hassan-Dan Ali’s deep understanding of public communication and community engagement is likely seen as a valuable asset for the civil service’s interface with the citizenry.
The Role and Significance of a Permanent Secretary
For readers unfamiliar with the structure, a Permanent Secretary is the highest-ranking career civil servant in a government ministry or department. They are the administrative and accounting head, providing institutional memory, policy continuity, and operational leadership. They translate the political directives of the Commissioner (a political appointee) into actionable programs and ensure the day-to-day functioning of the state machinery. Appointments at this level are therefore crucial for effective governance.
Official Charge and Future Implications
In the statement, Head of Service Malam Falalu Bawale charged the new appointees to serve with “diligence, professionalism and in the best interest of the service of the state government.” This standard charge now carries added weight given the merit-based process of their selection. Their performance will be a key test case for this reformed appointment model.
The success of these appointments will be measured by the tangible improvements in service delivery within their respective ministries and their ability to uphold the principles of integrity and efficiency. For Mr. Hassan-Dan Ali, all eyes will be on how he navigates the transition from media advocacy to core civil service administration, potentially bringing a fresh perspective to government operations.
Reported by Zubairu Idris for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Maureen Atuonwu.
Source: NAN News
