Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Dr. Esther Walson-Jack, on Wednesday, December 11,2025, advocated for a Federal Civil Service that inspires trust, delivers value, and meets the aspirations of all Nigerians.
She stated this in her keynote address at the Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Forum held at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.
The Forum has in attendance senior government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and private-sector actors to discuss ways of improving service delivery through stronger citizen involvement.
In her keynote address, she stated that the administration is implementing reforms aimed at ensuring that government services are efficient, technology-driven, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
According to Walson-Jack, the ongoing implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 3025) is already producing positive results, particularly in digitalisation, human resource reform and staff capacity development.
Her words: “Citizens are central to every reform we implement. Our responsibility as public servants is to ensure that the services we offer translate into real improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
She further stated: ” Our goal remains constant to build a world-class civil service anchored on transparency, professionalism, collaboration and citizen engagement. Platforms like this forum ensure the voices of civil serants, citizens, and stakeholders remain central to the evolution of our service.
The HCSF also appreciated the Managing Directors, Executive Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers, and Executive Directors of parastatals and agencies for their strategic oversight and unwavering support in the transformation journey.
She also acknowledged the generous and continuing support of the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP in supporting institutions and processes aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, and service delivery.
She said: “In the same vein, we appreciate our other partners, including the High Democratic Foundation, Galaxy backbone Limited, NHTSA, Info, First Media, CIPF, just to mention a few amongst other collaborators. Their technical expertise, strategic guidance, and sustained support have strengthened our reform agenda and accelerated tangible progress.
She was also emphatic that platforms like the forum ensure that the voices of civil servants, citizens, and stakeholders remain central to the evolution of the Civil Service.
Earlier in his speech at the event, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Mr. Ibrahim Arabi commended the Office of the Head of Service for promoting an open and reform driven sector. He further noted that sustained stakeholders’ engagement is vital to ensuring that reform initiatives achieve their intended impact.
In her contribution at the event, Ms. Yemi Cardoso, a governance reform advocate and representative of development partners, harped on the need for continuous collaboration between government institutions and citizens, particularly in the area of digital governance, adding that participatory policy-making strengthens accountability and enhances public trust.
Similarly, Comrade Ibrahim Sani, Chairman of the Joint Public Service Union Council, advocated for improved welfare and better working tools for civil servants, saying it would further boost productivity and quality of service delivery.
In the same vein, Barr. Hauwa Abdullahi, a civil society representative, called for a feedback mechanism by government that allows citizens to assess service performance across ministries and agencies.
The forum came to an end with a renewed commitment from the stakeholders to deepen dialogue, strengthen institutional transparency, and build a public service that is accessible and responsive to citizens.
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