The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) International Health Regulations Strengthening Project (IHR-SP) is supporting the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) deliver a key commitment in its Implementation Plan 2023-2027: establishing a robust Performance Management System (PMS) to strengthen workforce effectiveness.

In a three-day workshop held from 28-30 October, IHR-SP partnered with NCDC to train 46 staff members who will now lead the rollout of the new performance management framework across the organisation. This hands-on training moved beyond policy to equip participants with practical skills in designing and using performance tools that will help NCDC deliver its public health mandate more effectively.

Delivering on strategic commitments

NCDC's Implementation Plan 2023-2027 identifies a performance management framework as essential infrastructure for achieving the centre's mission. By supporting the development and rollout of this system, UKHSA IHR-SP is helping NCDC translate strategic vision into operational reality.

A strong performance management system ensures that staff are clear about their roles, that progress can be measured, and that resources are directed where they're needed most. This organisational capability is fundamental to meeting International Health Regulations (IHR) standards and protecting public health.

As Dr Jide Idris, Director General of NCDC explained, “For NCDC to meet its critical mandate of protecting public health, we must foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. This Performance Management System is not just an administrative tool; it is the engine for achieving our strategic priorities.”

Photo: Dr Jide Idris, Director General of Nigeria CDC (right) addresses participants during the training

From concepts to practice

The workshop was carefully designed to reflect the full Performance Management implementation pathway, guiding participants step by step from foundational concepts to practical application and digital enablement. Participants, drawn from across the organisation and ranging from departmental heads to human resource specialists, were strategically nominated by departmental leadership as PMS Champions. These champions are mandated to cascade the training and drive PMS implementation across their respective departments.

Day one focused on building shared understanding. Participants explored how the performance management framework aligns with both Nigeria’s public service reforms and NCDC’s Implementation Plan and mission.

On day two, the focus shifted to practical design. Led by UKHSA IHR SP Technical Advisor for Workforce Development, Paul Irabor, participants worked through simulation exercises to create meaningful Key Result Areas (KRAs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and competency frameworks.

The final day addressed digital transformation of Performance Management at NCDC. Participants learned how to use NCDC's Assurance Public Health International and Domestic Security (APHIDS) platform to log objectives, track progress, and generate reports - moving performance management from paper-based processes to a dynamic digital system. Facilitators from NCDC's ICT and planning teams guided participants through live simulations.

Key outcomes

The workshop delivered immediate, concrete outcomes that will support NCDC’s Implementation Plan PMS objectives:

• 46 trained PMS Champions now equipped to cascade the system within their departments.
• Performance frameworks have been drafted and tailored to NCDC’s goals.
• A department-level action plan was developed for organisation-wide rollout.

Participant feedback was positive with an estimated 96% composite participant satisfaction, with universal approval of the training content and facilitation - demonstrating strong acceptance and perceived value of the PMS capacity-building intervention. Attendees also provided crucial insights for sustaining momentum, emphasising the need for continued senior management engagement, regular APHIDS user forums, and the coordinating role of the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS) to ensure seamless adoption and sustainability.

Supporting health security through organisational effectiveness

By supporting NCDC implement a robust, transparent PMS, UKHSA IHR-SP is directly supporting the centre's ability to deliver its mandate effectively. Through this partnership, NCDC is directly strengthening a core IHR capacity—human resource development for a resilient health workforce. This will enhance accountability for public health outcomes, enable data-driven decision-making, and improve efficiency and effectiveness of Nigeria’s disease prevention and response activities.

Embedding change

Building on this foundation, the partnership will continue supporting NCDC's Implementation Plan by finalising departmental performance contracts, provide follow-up training on data analysis, fully operationalising the digital APHIDS PMS system, and establishing a community of practice to support ongoing learning.

UKHSA IHR SP remains committed to supporting NCDC on delivering its strategic objectives as Dr. Olubunmi Negedu-Momoh, UKHSA IHR-SP Acting Country Lead for Nigeria explains, “This milestone goes beyond a workshop. By embedding performance management, NCDC is strengthening the institutional backbone required for effective disease prevention and response. It reflects strong leadership, a trusted partnership, and a clear commitment to delivering the Implementation Plan and advancing IHR capacities. We are proud to support NCDC as it transforms how its workforce is managed - building sustainable systems that will safeguard Nigeria’s health security well into the future’’. 

Photo: training participants and organisers