Today, key stakeholders, payroll officers, and civil servants gathered at Valada Hotel for a strategic training aimed at transforming payroll management through a newly introduced self-service application.
The training, organized in collaboration with SmartApps IT Ltd, brought together participants from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), marking a significant step toward a more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven civil service in Plateau State.
Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Ezekiel Dauda, Director of Treasury Operations, Representing the accountant general plateau state emphasized the importance of not just learning but applying the knowledge gained.
He urged participants to ensure that the training translates into real impact within their respective offices.
“Whatever knowledge you gain here, no obstacle should hold you back from applying it,” he stated.
Dr. Dauda highlighted that the training is a deliberate investment in human capital development, noting that the presence of top-level officials reflects the seriousness attached to the initiative.
He also commended participants who traveled from different locations, acknowledging their dedication and commitment despite logistical challenges.
“The time you spend here is valuable. It is an investment in your knowledge and professional growth,” he added.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Jonathan Dadu, Director of Financial Reporting, reinforced the need for active engagement and knowledge sharing.
He reminded participants that attending the training is part of their professional responsibility and encouraged them to fully participate and raise relevant questions.
According to him, the goal is to ensure that no department is left behind in the transition to a digital payroll system.
“We want knowledge to be shared across all levels so that everyone moves forward together,” he said.
He further noted that with proper understanding of the system, civil servants can perform their duties more efficiently even without being physically present at the office.
Providing an overview of the initiative, Ehimwonzee Uwaila Faith, Project Manager, explained that the training was designed to go beyond theory and demonstrate real value.
She introduced the payroll self-service application as a solution that empowers civil servants to:
• Access their payslips anytime, anywhere
• Submit complaints directly through their mobile devices
• Avoid long queues and administrative delays
“We are not just training you we are equipping you to drive adoption,” she emphasized.
According to her, the participants primarily payroll and assistant payroll officers are key to ensuring the success of the system, as they serve as the bridge between the technology and the wider workforce.
The application is expected to significantly reduce the burden of manual processes while also cutting operational costs, particularly those associated with printing payslips.
With rising costs of paper and logistics, the digital platform offers a more sustainable and accessible alternative for the state government.
Another standout feature of the app is its retirement planning support. Civil servants nearing retirement can track a countdown, allowing them to begin necessary documentation early and avoid delays in accessing pension benefits.
Participants expressed optimism about the impact of the new system on their daily operations.
Kyenret Kutwal Yale, a Higher Executive Officer, noted that the application will eliminate the stress of physically moving between offices to resolve payroll issues.
“With this app, everyone can report issues directly. It will reduce stress significantly,” he said.
Hannatu James, Chief Executive Officer (Accounts) from Plateau State College of Education, Garkawa, described the training as enlightening and impactful.
Having traveled several hours to attend, she commended the facilitators for their clarity and hands on teaching approach.
“We are going back as ambassadors to teach others,” she said.
Similarly, Akpi Samuel Udeh from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation highlighted the app’s potential to support workers in rural areas.
He explained that the platform will enable civil servants across remote locations to access payroll services without needing to travel long distances.
Speaking during the session, Bitrus Aaron Vonke, Product Owner at SmartApps IT Ltd, described the training as a critical step toward successful implementation.
He emphasized that payroll officers are central to the system’s adoption, given their direct interaction with employees.
While noting initial challenges such as network connectivity, he described the overall training as highly successful, with valuable feedback gathered from participants.
“This is just the beginning. There is more to come,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of continuous training and collaboration with key government offices to ensure the system evolves effectively over time.
The training marks a significant milestone in Plateau State’s journey toward digital transformation.
By equipping payroll officers with the necessary skills and knowledge, the initiative is expected to create a ripple effect across all MDAs improving efficiency, reducing stress, and enhancing service delivery.
As participants return to their respective offices, they carry with them not just knowledge, but the responsibility to drive change.
With continued collaboration and commitment, Plateau State is steadily building a more responsive, efficient, and digitally empowered workforce.
