NEDC moves to turn ISO standards into better public service

The Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) is striving to convert its globally recognized management standards into enhanced collaboration, greater accountability, and better service delivery to communities throughout the region. Managing Director Mohammed Goni Alkali announced this during the inauguration of the 2026 Excellence Forum in Maiduguri, stressing that the success of their ISO certifications would be determined by their impact on staff's day-to-day work.

This initiative, targeted towards employees with Salary Levels 6 to 13 from the commission's headquarters and state offices, aims to fill the gap between management standards and their practical application in the workplace.

Alkali encouraged participants to link forum discussions and interactive sessions directly to their individual responsibilities and the commission's overall service delivery objectives. He also allowed staff to openly express concerns and grievances, stating that honest feedback would aid the organization in identifying challenges and improving its performance.

The forum stands apart from conventional lecture-based sessions by incorporating practical simulations, collaborative exercises, and real-life workplace scenarios, enabling staff to comprehend how the commission's standards can be applied to their duties.

Fatima Dalhatu, the Acting Head of Governance, Compliance, and Service Reform Unit, provided context regarding the initiative. She noted that the NEDC had attained ISO certification in five management system standards: Quality Management, Environmental Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Anti-Bribery Management, and Sustainable Development in Communities.

However, Dalhatu emphasized that securing the certifications was merely the beginning, stressing that the commission must now prioritize effective implementation. She highlighted that better internal planning, stronger controls, and capable teams were crucial to delivering effective public programs. Dalhatu also cautioned against seeing the certifications as evidence of institutional perfection, stating that institutional excellence is a continuous journey, and continuous implementation, review, and improvement are daily responsibilities.