HoCSF Calls for Continued Stakeholder Collaboration in Reforming Nigeria’s Civil Service
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther has emphasized the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to drive reforms in Nigeria’s Civil Service.
She made this call Friday, during the inaugural Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Forum held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja
The forum, themed “Strengthening Service Delivery through Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement,” brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and citizens.
Mrs. Walson-Jack highlighted the importance of engaging citizens and partners in shaping policies and performance, stating that “when the government and the governed collaborate in trust, the nation thrives.”
The Head of Civil Service noted that the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP25) is nearing its conclusion and that work has already begun on a comprehensive review to inform the design of the next strategic plan.
She emphasized that the next phase of reforms will be developed with extensive stakeholder input, ensuring inclusivity and unity with the aim of achieving the goal of an efficient, productive, incorruptible, and citizen-centred civil service
Mrs. Walson-Jack also highlighted several initiatives and milestones achieved under the current reform agenda, including human capacity development, institutionalizing performance management, digitalization, and fostering innovation.
She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and called on civil servants and stakeholders to recommit to the reform efforts.
At the forum which serves as a platform for honest dialogue, shared problem-solving, and collective ownership of reforms, Mrs. Walson-Jack urged citizens and stakeholders to continue engaging constructively, utilizing the platforms being created, and working with the government to identify solutions.
The event underscores the federal government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric service delivery.
As the Civil Service continues to evolve, the Head of Service remains optimistic about the potential for transformation and the role that stakeholders can play in shaping the future of the Nigerian Civil Service.
In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies, OHCSF, Dr. Deborah Odoh highlighted that “the Civil Service is and must remain a people’s service – accountable to citizens, responsive to emerging challenges and adaptive to innovations that improve efficiency and service delivery
According to her, the Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement is a convergence of minds, experience, and commitments aimed at building a world-class service that delivers value-driven, people-centered and innovation-led governance
She acknowledged the developmental strides being made in the Service, particularly in recent times, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and constructive feedback that will enhance the performance of the Service.
Also speaking, the representative of the Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission/Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ndiomu Phillip, announced that in line with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation’s (OHCSF) digitalization drive, promotion interviews in the Service will henceforth be conducted via Computer-Based Test (CBT).
