HCSF Drives Transparency Through Robust Citizen, Stakeholder Engagement
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has stressed that engaging citizens and stakeholders consistently is crucial for a transparent, accountable, and efficient Civil Service.
She stated this at the second edition of the Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement forum, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to foster collaboration and co-create solutions for national development.
Addressing a broad community of stakeholders, Mrs. Walson-Jack outlined key reforms driven by such dialogue, including the mandate for all Ministries to achieve a full paperless system by 31st December 2025.
Mrs. Walson-Jack noted that this digital transformation, aimed at eliminating delays and enhancing service delivery, is a direct response to the demand for greater efficiency and transparency from the public.
At the forum which provided a platform to review progress under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25, the HCSF highlighted landmark initiatives including the Performance Management System (PMS), the ongoing Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA), and the ONCE-Knowledge System, crediting stakeholder feedback for shaping these people-centred reforms.
She lauded the development partners, particularly the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), AIG- Imoukhuede Foundation for their consistent support in strengthening institutions, calling on all citizens and stakeholders to maintain an active partnership, underscoring that their scrutiny and insights are indispensable for holding the Service accountable as well as ensuring reforms meet public expectations.
According to a statement by Mrs. Eno Olotu, OHCSF’s Director of Information and Public Relations, she reaffirmed that platforms for sustained engagement ensure the voices of the people remain central to building a World-Class Civil Service that inspires trust and delivers value to all Nigerians.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office in the OHCSF, Dr. Ishiayaku Musa
Mohammed emphasized that effective governance is fundamentally built on listening to citizens and fostering open dialogue.
He highlighted the forum as a demonstration of shared commitment to transparent, responsive, and people-centered governance.
While noting that meaningful progress emerges from constructive engagement, Dr. Mohammed urged all participants to contribute openly and purposefully, describing the event as a vital opportunity to assess challenges, strengthen accountability, and collectively translate policy into practice to “march to greatness.”
Stakeholders and development partners, including the UNDP and Aig Imoukhuede Foundation, praised the OHCSF’s reform efforts and pledged continued technical support, strategic guidance, and sustained partnership to build on progress in digitalization, capacity building, and institutional strengthening, aiming for a more efficient and citizen-focused Civil Service.
OHCSF’s Director of Policy, Analytics and Monitoring, Mrs. Adenike Iwajomo, expressed profound appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the event and commended the unwavering support of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. She urged participants to look forward to the next engagement in the first quarter of 2026.
