The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has called for strengthened collaboration between federal and state civil services to enhance governance efficiency and citizen-centered public administration in Nigeria.
Walson-Jack made this declaration during the inaugural retreat for Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) held in Katsina State. The retreat, themed "Future of the Nigerian Civil Service: Harnessing Federal-State Collaboration for Accelerated Development," brought together key stakeholders to strategize on strengthening governance structures for national progress.
Speaking at the event, Walson-Jack emphasized that the retreat comes at a critical moment in Nigeria's development journey when public expectations of governance are higher than ever before.
"We are entrusted with the solemn responsibility of shaping the engine room of governance," she stated, urging participants to leverage the forum for meaningful policy discussions that will translate into improved service delivery across the nation.
The HCSF highlighted the importance of adopting global best practices, referencing a recent tour to Singapore involving 20 State Heads of Service as a benchmark for innovative governance. She reaffirmed plans for more knowledge-sharing initiatives to foster excellence in public administration.
Walson-Jack disclosed that her office has institutionalized ongoing engagements with state counterparts to ensure sustained synergy and knowledge exchange across all tiers of government. She urged all State Heads of Service to champion the adoption of digital initiatives introduced by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), emphasizing the need for civil servants to embrace digital tools to enhance their competencies.
In a significant announcement, the HCSF revealed Nigeria's plans to host the maiden International Civil Service Conference, calling for active participation from all states to position Nigeria as a leader in public sector innovation.
Walson-Jack expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support for civil service reforms. She also thanked Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, for hosting the retreat and commended the warm reception by Deputy Governor Malam Faruq Lawal.
During her visit, the Head of Civil Service paid homage to the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness, (Dr.) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, who offered prayers for the success of the retreat and enduring peace in the country.
In his welcome remarks, Katsina State Head of Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale, commended Walson-Jack for her transformative initiatives and confirmed that many states are already aligning with her vision for a modernized civil service.
The retreat was attended by 22 State Heads of Service, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies & Strategies Office, Dr. Deborah Odoh, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Civil Service Matters, Mr. Alfred Abah, and various resource persons who delivered insights on strengthening Nigeria's civil service for accelerated development.
