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📘 NIMC Study Material

Part II: Public Service Policies, Financial Regulations, Public Procurement & Code of Conduct

Based on Public Service Rules (2021), Financial Regulations (2009), Public Procurement Act 2007, and Code of Conduct Bureau Framework

1. PUBLIC SERVICE RULES (PSR)

The Public Service Rules (PSR) constitute the foundational regulatory instrument governing the conduct, administration, and operational framework of the Nigerian Public Service. As a Federal Government parastatal, NIMC operates under the PSR framework. Under Rule 160103, parastatals must retain and improve existing rules, and in the absence of internal rules, the relevant PSR provisions apply.

1.1 Appointments and Leaving the Service

Types of Appointment

Appointment TypeDescriptionDuration
Permanent AppointmentFull-time, pensionable positionUntil retirement (60 years / 35 years service)
Probationary AppointmentSubject to confirmation6-24 months
Contract AppointmentFixed-term engagement2-5 years, renewable
Temporary AppointmentShort-term or casualAs specified
SecondmentTemporary transfer between agencies1-3 years

Rules for Appointment on Probation

Under Sections 020301 and 020302 of the PSR:

Judicial Precedent: Where an employer fails to confirm an employee after the probation period, the employment is deemed confirmed by operation of law (Council of Federal Polytechnic, Ede v. Olowoookere).

Acting Appointment

Duration: Maximum 6 months. Eligible for acting allowance (difference between current and acting grade salary).

Promotions

Promotion TypeBasisGrade Increase
Merit PromotionOutstanding performanceUp to 2 grade levels
Seniority PromotionSatisfactory performance + years of service1 grade level
Conversion PromotionJunior to senior service1-2 grade levels

Eligibility: Minimum 2 years (merit) or 3 years (seniority) on current grade; "Commendable" or "Satisfactory" performance rating.

Leaving the Service

ModeDescriptionEffect on Benefits
RetirementAge 60 or 35 years serviceFull pension (CPS: 10% employer + 8% employee)
ResignationVoluntary (proper notice required)Employee contributions + growth
TerminationNon-disciplinary exitBenefits preserved
DismissalDisciplinary for grave misconductForfeiture of benefits

1.2 Discipline

Categories of Disciplinary Offences

CategoryDescriptionTypical Penalties
General InefficiencyPersistent poor performanceTermination, demotion, withheld increment
MisconductMinor to moderate breachesReprimand, fine, suspension, termination
Serious MisconductGrave breaches (fraud, theft, data breach)Dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, prosecution
Conduct Prejudicial to SecurityEspionage, sabotage, treasonImmediate dismissal, life imprisonment

Retirement in Public Interest

Used where officer is no longer suitable but no specific disciplinary offence has occurred. Benefits are preserved (unlike dismissal).

Types of Leave Under PSR

Leave TypeEntitlement
Annual Leave21-30 calendar days per year
Sick Leave14 days full pay + 14 days half pay
Maternity Leave4 months full pay
Paternity Leave14 days full pay
Study LeaveDuration of approved course (with or without pay)
Compassionate Leave1-2 weeks

2. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS (2009)

The Financial Regulations (2009) govern the management, control, and accounting of public funds. As a Self-Accounting Parastatal, NIMC must comply fully, maintain internal financial controls, and submit to audits by the Auditor-General.

2.1 Advances and Payment Procedure

Advances (FR 1400 Series)

Core Requirements: Written authorization; retirement within specified timeframe; no new advance if previous unretired. Sanctions for non-retirement under FR 3106, 3115, 3129.

Types of Advances

Advance TypePurposeRepayment/Retirement
Salary AdvanceTemporary relief before salaryFull deduction from next salary
Car/Housing Loan AdvancePurchase of vehicle/houseMonthly deductions over specified period
Contract AdvanceMobilization feeRetired with certificates of work done
ImprestRevolving cash for petty expensesMonthly retirement with receipts
Duty Tour Allowance (DTA)Official travel expensesWithin 2 weeks of return

Payment Procedure (FR 600-800 Series)

Core Principles: Budgetary authorization; Certificate of Availability; Value for Money; Supporting documentation; Proper authorization.

Supporting Documents Required: For training payments: invitation letter, training report, attendance evidence, certificates, pictures (FR 415, FR 603(i)).

2.2 Self-Accounting Status and Pension

Self-Accounting Status

Definition: Authority to maintain own bank accounts, issue payment vouchers, prepare financial statements, and be audited independently.

Grounds for Withdrawal: Persistent irregularities, failure to retire advances (FR 1404, 1405, 1416, 1419, 1420), audit queries, financial mismanagement.

Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) – Pension Reform Act 2014

ContributionPercentage
Employer Contribution10% of basic salary + housing + transport allowance
Employee Contribution8% of basic salary + housing + transport allowance
Total Monthly Contribution18%

Retirement Age: 60 years or 35 years of service (whichever earlier).

Federal Government New Exit Benefit

3. PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (PUBLIC PROCUREMENT ACT 2007)

The Public Procurement Act No. 14 of 2007 establishes the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) as the regulatory authority for federal procurement.

BPP Achievements (2023–2025)

Functions of the Bureau (Section 5, PPA 2007)

Powers of the Bureau (Section 6, PPA 2007)

3.1 Procurement Methods (Goods and Services)

MethodDescriptionApplicability
Open Competitive BiddingPublic advertisement; open to allDefault method; high value
Selective TenderingLimited number of prequalified biddersSpecialized requirements
Request for QuotationsMinimum 3 quotationsLow value; standard goods
Single SourceNo competitionEmergency; unique supplier; requires justification
Two-Stage TenderingTechnical first, price secondComplex procurements
Competitive DialogueDialogue with pre-selected biddersVery complex procurements

Revised Monetary Thresholds (May 2025)

Nigeria First Policy (Local Content Preference)

Mandates MDAs to prefer Nigerian-made goods and services. Achievement: 45% local content secured in procurement.

4. CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is established under the Constitution of Nigeria 1999, Fifth Schedule, Part I. Slogan under current leadership: "Declare or Forfeit".

Functions of the CCB

CCB Achievements (2024–2025)

4.1 Asset Declaration Form (CCB Form 1)

Legal Basis: Section 15, Fifth Schedule, Part I, Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

Who Must Declare

Spousal and Children's Assets: Declarants must list assets and liabilities of non-public officer spouses and minor children under 18.

Types of Declaration and Deadlines

Declaration TypeTimingDeadline
Initial DeclarationUpon assuming officeWithin 30 days
Periodic DeclarationDuring tenureEvery 4 years
Exit DeclarationUpon leaving officeWithin 30 days

Required Information on CCB Form 1

Consequences of Non-Compliance or False Declaration

Digitised Asset Declaration System

Public officers can access CCB Form 1 online at https://ccb.gov.ng. The digitised system has saved millions of naira previously spent on printing manual forms.

Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)

Adjudicates cases referred by the CCB. Powers include: vacation of office, disqualification, and asset forfeiture.


Summary Table: Key Provisions for NIMC Staff

SubjectRelevant Law/RuleKey Provision
Probation PeriodPSR 020301-0203026-24 months depending on grade level
Retirement AgePSR 0381060 years or 35 years service
Advance RetirementFR 1404, 1405, 1416, 1419, 1420Prompt retirement required; no new advance if previous unretired
Self-Accounting StatusFR 500 seriesAuthority to manage own finances; withdrawable for non-compliance
Pension ContributionPension Reform Act 201410% employer + 8% employee = 18% monthly
No Objection CertificatePPA 2007, Section 6Required for contract awards above thresholds
Nigeria First PolicyBPP Policy (2025)45% local content preference
Asset DeclarationConstitution Fifth ScheduleWithin 30 days of assuming office; every 4 years
False Declaration PenaltyConstitution / CCTVacation of office, disqualification, asset forfeiture

END OF PART II – ABRIDGED STUDY MATERIAL