•AS Service Commission adopts CBT for promotion exams
By Haruna Salami
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack has underscored the importance of human based reforms in the civil service.
Walson-Jack made this point in a keynote address delivered at a stakeholders & citizens engagement Forum held in Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja on Friday.
According to her, direct engagement with stakeholders and citizens is one of the most powerful tools we have for driving transformation.
She noted that in the past, the voices of citizens and external partners in civil service affairs were limited, but “today are changing that narrative by opening our doors, listening to your ideas and criticisms, and working side by side with you to build a Public Service that delivers value for every Nigerian. Your voice is not just welcome; it is essential to our progress and to restoring public trust.
“This Forum is designed to foster honest dialogue, shared problem-solving, and collective ownership of the reforms that will reshape our Civil Service for the better. We believe that when the government and the governed collaborate in trust, the nation thrives.”
She also opined that one of the most profound outcomes of the recent efforts by the OHCSF is a welcome shift in public perception as Nigerians are beginning to believe in their civil service again.
“There is a growing sense that the Civil Service is awakening to its responsibilities and becoming more responsive to the needs of the people. This renewed public trust is priceless, and we must do everything in our power to sustain and deepen it.
“Engaging with citizens and stakeholders openly through forums like this, through the media, and through civil society consultations is key to sustaining that trust.
“When the public sees a government that listens and partners see their contributions valued, confidence in our institutions grows”, she said.
Mrs. Wilson-Jack said “precisely , the next chapter of our reforms will be developed with extensive stakeholder input.
“We will engage with our partners in government, development agencies, the private sector, and citizens to capture a wide range of perspectives.
“This aligns with our vision of unity and inclusivity no matter your location or role, you should have an opportunity to contribute ideas to make our civil service better.”
She also announced that the Local Organising Committee for International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) 2026 will soon be inaugurated.
She adds: “We envision a conference that brings on board not just public servants, but also more voices from academia, civil society, and international experts, all brainstorming on how to build a smarter, citizen-focused Civil Service.
“I urge all stakeholders to prepare to be part of something truly transformational in 2026.
“Together, we will chart bold new ideas for public sector innovation and showcase Nigeria’s leadership in civil service transformation on the global stage”.
The HCSF, who marked her one year in office Thursday August 14, highlighted some her priorities to include human capacity development, adding “we have completely reimagined how civil servants learn and grow in their careers through a new initiative called ONCE-Knowledge.
“This initiative is revolutionising career development from the point of induction into the service to the point of exit. Under ONCE-Knowledge, we have introduced structured programs such as SMAT-P and LEAD-P for continuous training, integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) training modules, and executive masterclasses for public sector leaders[.
“We have also developed a comprehensive Onboarding Programme to complement the Exit Management Programme. The latter prepares retiring officers for life after service.
“By investing in our people’s skills and knowledge, we are ensuring that the Civil Service of tomorrow is smarter, more professional, and ready to deliver on complex mandates.
“Institutionalising the Right Personnel, which emanates from the approval President Tinubu gave them during the ICSC last June, they are embarking on a comprehensive Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis across the federal civil service.
“This transformative exercise – which is set to commence this August – will ensure we have “the right people in the right roles” in our reforms.
“We are working on introducing eco-friendly electric staff buses to provide safe and comfortable transportation for civil servants, reducing commuting stress and improving punctuality.
“We have been working closely with the Pension Commission and other bodies to improve the processing of pensions and gratuities, so that retirees receive their due benefits more promptly”, she stated.
Those present at the stakeholders forum include Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Permanent Secretaries of various ministries, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Civil Service Matters, DG/CEO of government owned companies, directors, heads of parastatals and agencies, Association of retired permanent secretaries, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, development partners, consultants, civil society organizations, civil service unions, etc.
The Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission announced at the stakeholders forum that from this year, promotion examinations in the civil service will be computer based test (CBT).
In their various good will messages, they identified the civil service as the “engine of development, commended the efforts of the HCSF and resolved to continue to partner with them for the overall development of the country.
