By Umar Salihu Adamu
The Deputy Director of the Performance Management System (PMS), Dr. (Mrs.) Udodirim Charity Ugonna has called on staff members of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to embrace continuous self-development using SMART tools and other viable means to enhance their efficiency and productivity.
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Dr Ugonna made this appeal while speaking at the Performance Management System (PMS) training held at the RMRDC State Coordinating Office Minna, Niger State.
She emphasized that SMART tools which entail setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) objectives are crucial for effective performance and goal attainment.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Ugonna clarified that the PMS training was not designed to witch-hunt staff but to help them learn, unlearn, and relearn their roles and responsibilities. She explained that it is also to make staff members to understand their Key Result Areas (KRAs) and align their efforts with the Council’s strategic objectives.
She further stressed that KPIs must be measurable in numbers, percentages, or other relevant metrics, ensuring that performance targets are clearly defined. According to her, the successful achievement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is dependent on the creative application of knowledge, skills, and behaviours by staff members.

Dr. Ugonna explained that PMS fosters training, education, recognition, and rewards for outstanding staff members who excel in their responsibilities. She noted that while the system has its challenges, such as potential demotivation and underperformance, but however, it ultimately enhances productivity, boosts morale, and raises performance standards.
The State Coordinator Dr. Abdulrasheed Mohammed expressed gratitude to the Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development, Prof. Martins Ike-Muonso for organizing the training as part of RMRDC’s continuous efforts to strengthen its workforce and align its operations with best practices in performance management.
Niger State Coordinator also thanked Dr. Ugonna and other resource persons for their impactful training, reaffirming the commitment of the staff in Niger State to applying the PMS principles for greater efficiency.