Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, has emphasized that sustained citizen and stakeholder engagement is a critical strategic tool for achieving a transparent, accountable, and efficient Civil Service. This was contained in a statement signed by Mrs. Eno Olotu, FCAI, mnipr, Director, Press and Public Relations.
She disclosed this today at the second edition of the Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement forum, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to foster collaboration and co-create solutions for national development.
Addressing a broad community of stakeholders, Mrs. Walson-Jack outlined key reforms driven by such dialogue, including the mandate for all Ministries to achieve a full paperless system by 31st December 2025. She noted that this digital transformation, aimed at eliminating delays and enhancing service delivery, is a direct response to the demand for greater efficiency and transparency from the public.
The forum provided a platform to review progress under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25). The HCSF highlighted landmark initiatives including the Performance Management System (PMS), the ongoing Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA), and the ONCE-Knowledge System, crediting stakeholder feedback for shaping these people-centred reforms.
Mrs. Walson-Jack expressed profound appreciation to development partners, particularly the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), AIG- Imoukhuede Foundation for their consistent support in strengthening institutions. She extended an open invitation to all citizens and stakeholders to maintain an active partnership, underscoring that their scrutiny and insights are indispensable for holding the Service accountable and ensuring reforms meet public expectations.
She reaffirmed that platforms for sustained engagement ensure the voices of the people remain central to building a World-Class Civil Service that inspires trust and delivers value to all Nigerians.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ishiayaku Musa Mohammed, Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office in the OHCSF, emphasized that effective governance is fundamentally built on listening to citizens and fostering open dialogue. He highlighted the forum as a demonstration of shared commitment to transparent, responsive, and people-centered governance.
Dr. Mohammed stated that meaningful progress emerges from constructive engagement, urging all participants to contribute openly and purposefully. He framed the event as a vital opportunity to assess challenges, strengthen accountability, and collectively translate policy into practice to “march to greatness.”
Stakeholders and development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Aig Imoukhuede Foundation, members of the civil society organisations , commended the OHCSF’s reform drive and pledge continued technical expertise, strategic guidance, and sustained partnership to consolidate gains in digitalization, capacity building, and institutional strengthening, ensuring a more efficient and citizen-centered Cubil Service
The Director of Policy, Analytics and Monitoring, Mrs. Adenike Iwajomo, expressed profound appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the event and commended the unwavering support of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. She urged participants to look forward to the next engagement in the first quarter of 2026.
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