In line with its resolve to cut the cost of running government, the Kaduna State Government yesterday announced the retirement of 20 permanent secretaries.

A statement by Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufa'i on Media and Publicity, Mr Samuel Aruwan explained that the 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,” he said.

The ministries are:

1. Justice

2. Agriculture and Forestry

3. Commerce, Industry and Tourism

4. Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs

5. Youth, Sports and Culture

6. Environment and Natural Resources

7. Women Affairs and Social Development

8. Water Resources

9. Health and Human Services

10. Education, Science and Technology

11. Budget and Planning

12. Finance

13. Works, Housing and Transport

In addition, five departments will be headed by permanent secretaries. These are: the Public Service Office; the Bureau of Establishments; Political and Economic Affairs; Cabinet and Security Services and General Services. This will bring the total number of permanent secretaries in the civil service to 18.

Governor El-Rufa'i 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.

However, the governor also approved the appointment of Thomas Gyang as Special Adviser, Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit (BMPIU).

Mr. Gyang graduated in 1978 with a second-class upper degree in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. A member of the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, he has worked as a professional quantity surveyor for Government, private organisations and individuals over a period of 35 years.

Mr. Gyang worked with E. D’Alberto & Giampoli Ltd (an Italian construction firm) where he rose to the position of Deputy Managing Director. He has also led many quantity surveying and construction consultancy firms. Until his appointment, Mr. Gyang was a partner at the Akioganik Partnership, a multi-disciplinary consultancy firm.

Governor El-Rufa'i also named a new chairman for the state’s Local Government Service Commission. He is Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Aminu, the Wazirin Zazzau.

The appointment of Mr. Ezekiel Baba Karik as Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has also been announced.

A former vice-chairman of Kaduna South Local Government, Mr. Karik was an organising secretary in the campaign organisation of APC guber aspirant, Hon. Isah Ashiru, prior to serving as special assistant to Mr. Barnabas Yusuf Bala after his emergence as the running mate to Malam El-Rufai. He holds postgraduate diplomas in management studies and business administration.

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufa'i.