Federal Government Inaugurates Committees to Drive UNDP-Facilitated Civil Service Reforms

[Abigail pereowei]

In a significant step towards actualizing the Federal Civil Service’s transformation agenda, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, has officially inaugurated the Steering Committee and Project Implementation Team for the strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The inauguration follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and the UNDP during the maiden International Civil Service Conference.

In her keynote address, Mrs. Walson-Jack stated that the collaboration is anchored on driving reforms through innovation, digitalization, and capacity building—central pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP-25). She described the MoU as a "shared commitment to building a Civil Service that works smarter, faster, and better for every Nigerian."

The HCSF explained that the Steering Committee would provide high-level policy direction, strategic oversight, and resource mobilization, ensuring alignment with national priorities like FCSSIP-25 while the Project Implementation Team will be responsible for the seamless execution of day-to-day project activities, risk mitigation, and stakeholder collaboration. Both committees have been given a three-year timeline to deliver tangible results.

Mrs. Walson-Jack expressed profound appreciation to the UNDP for its steadfast support, citing previous initiatives such as a capacity-building study tour to Singapore and the ongoing upgrade of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) into a Center of Excellence.

She charged the members to embrace their assignments with urgency, professionalism, and patriotism, stating, “By 2028, at the conclusion of this MoU, we envision a world-class Civil Service that is digital, professional, transparent, and citizen-centered, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Deborah Odoh, described the inauguration as a milestone, reiterating that “a strong Civil Service means hope for the country.”

The UNDP Resident Representative, Mrs. Elsie Attafuah, in her goodwill message, reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to the partnership. “We must harness the energy of our youth and the power of innovation to propel Nigeria into a future where its Civil Service not only drives national development but also serves as a model for Africa,” she noted.

Responding on behalf of the committees, Engr. Nelson Dumebi Madu, PhD, assured the HCSF and UNDP of their dedication to delivering on the MoU’s objectives, promising to work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in them.

The event underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to building a modern, efficient, and globally competitive public service for the nation.

Mrs. Eno Olotu, FCAI, mnipr
Director, Information and Public Relation

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