The Federal Government has launched the INSPIRE Programme, a major leadership and inclusion initiative aimed at helping more women rise into senior government positions across Nigeria’s civil service.
The programme, officially unveiled as INSPIRE Nigeria — Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity for Women — was launched by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu during Day Two of the International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) 2026 held under the theme, “Reforms, Resilience and Results.”
The initiative immediately positions itself as one of the Federal Government’s biggest institutional efforts focused on fixing the long-standing gap between the large number of women working within the public sector and their low representation in top leadership positions.
Speaking before more than 5,000 delegates from 16 countries, the First Lady said the INSPIRE Programme was created to ensure women within the civil service are not locked out of leadership opportunities because of structural barriers, weak mentorship systems or workplace limitations.
According to her, the programme aligns directly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and wider government reforms focused on inclusion, productivity, accountability and institutional transformation.
“This initiative speaks to the kind of civil service we must continue to build — one that supports its workforce, rewards competence, promotes fairness, encourages innovation, creates opportunities for professional growth and truly reflects equity and excellence,” she said.
Oluremi Tinubu explained that one of the major goals of the programme is to create a leadership pipeline for women from entry level positions up to the highest levels of government service.
She noted that leadership development should not start only when women are close to becoming permanent secretaries or heads of agencies, stressing that mentorship and leadership exposure must begin much earlier.
“I am pleased to learn that this initiative is designed to reach women across different levels of the civil service, from junior officers to executive level, and this is most important because leadership development should not begin only when a woman becomes a permanent secretary,” the First Lady said.
“A young officer who is properly mentored today may become the permanent secretary, head of service, minister, or a national leader tomorrow.”
The INSPIRE initiative forms part of broader federal policy commitments tied to the National Gender Policy 2021–2026 and the Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy 2023–2028. Government officials say the goal is to move gender inclusion beyond public statements and turn it into measurable institutional practice across ministries, departments and agencies.
The First Lady linked women’s advancement in public service directly to national development outcomes, arguing that stronger female representation in leadership positions would improve governance and strengthen institutions.
“When women are empowered, institutions become stronger, governance improves and citizens benefit from better service delivery,” she said.
“That is why initiatives like INSPIRE are not just important for women alone, they are vital for national progress.”
She also called on men within the civil service to actively support inclusive workplace reforms and equal opportunities for women.
“I encourage you to continue your partnership in building workplaces that promote fairness, respect and equal opportunity for all,” she added.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, described the INSPIRE Programme as a strategic intervention designed specifically to tackle the institutional barriers slowing down women’s career progression within the Nigerian public service.
According to her, the initiative will focus heavily on mentorship, institutional support, leadership training, peer learning and professional development opportunities.
Walson-Jack said many women within the civil service continue to face challenges including weak sponsorship structures, limited access to mentorship and systemic barriers that affect promotion and leadership opportunities.
She explained that INSPIRE would create a structured framework to address those issues through continuous engagement and long-term professional support systems.