The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has formally unveiled the Nigerian Public Service Writing Style Manual, a landmark document designed to standardize official communications across all government institutions.

The 148-page manual, presented to the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, in Abuja on Friday, aims to address long-standing inconsistencies in government documentation and enhance professionalism in public communications.

Structured into six comprehensive chapters and featuring 55 practical templates, the manual provides definitive guidelines for official writing standards across Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). It establishes clear protocols for formatting, referencing, digital communication, and the appropriate use of national symbols.

Implementation Strategy

During the presentation ceremony, Mrs. Walson-Jack described the manual as "a cornerstone for building a more responsive and citizen-centric civil service." She highlighted key features including the adoption of British English standards, standardized templates for official correspondence, and precise guidelines on the use of national symbols such as the Coat of Arms and National Flag.

The Head of Service outlined a structured implementation plan beginning with a service-wide validation process to incorporate stakeholder input. The manual will subsequently be presented for Presidential endorsement to formalize its status as a key policy document before being integrated into training programs for civil servants nationwide.

To ensure its continued relevance, the document will undergo periodic reviews every five years.

Leadership Recognition

Dr. Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the Service Policies and Strategies Office, noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government's vision of developing a world-class civil service. She acknowledged the instrumental role of the service-wide GPT platform in supporting the committee's work.

Mr. Olusade Adesola, OON, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary who chaired the Writing Style Manual Development Committee, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering an environment conducive to reform. He specifically commended Mrs. Walson-Jack for her visionary leadership in driving the civil service transformation agenda.

With its nationwide implementation across all Federal MDAs, the Nigerian Public Service Writing Style Manual represents a significant step toward ensuring clarity, consistency, and professionalism in government communications, ultimately enhancing public trust in governance processes.