The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, says government is working with partners to reposition Nigeria’s civil service as Africa’s finest.
She spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the second day of the maiden International Civil Service Conference with the theme: ‘Rejuvenate, Innovate, Accelerate.’
Truthng reports that the conference is part of the 2025 Civil Service Week, aimed at reforming Nigeria’s public service.
NAN also reports that the conference gathered foreign delegates, heads of service from 36 states, and past and present permanent secretaries.
Walson-Jack said the event aims to raise the bar for public service delivery in Nigeria and across the continent.
“This gathering is historic. We are setting a fresh tone, pace and standard for public service in Nigeria, Africa, and globally,” she said.
She added that for Nigeria to lead Africa, its civil service must lead the transformation and praised the conference as a model of innovation.
The HCSF commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting public sector reforms, describing the civil service as vital to national transformation.
She also acknowledged past heads of service, retired permanent secretaries and directors, honoured for laying reform foundations.
Walson-Jack appreciated international delegates from countries including Canada, Ghana, Morocco, the UK, US, Kenya and Azerbaijan, saying their presence enriched the conference.
She said the event was fully self-funded through strategic partnerships and corporate support, in spite of scarce public funds.
She announced a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to boost capacity building and institutional performance.
According to her, the deal will help transform the Public Service Institute of Nigeria into a global centre for public service excellence.
It will also support digital transformation of civil service operations in five pilot states.
The HCSF highlighted the launch of ServiceWise GPT, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance efficiency in civil service processes.
She said the AI tool provides accurate, real-time answers on civil service rules, policies and procedures.
The conference also featured the Aspire Stage, where young civil servants shared innovative ideas for Nigeria’s future public service.
“This platform is about inclusion, allowing youth to shape the future of public service, not just preparing them,” she noted.
She urged all civil servants to work towards a more efficient, transparent and citizen-focused public service.
“This is our moment. Let us rejuvenate, innovate and accelerate—for Nigeria, Africa, and the world,” Walson-Jack said. (NAN)
