Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has called for evidence-based reforms, digital innovation and stronger collaboration across all tiers of government to build a more efficient, accountable and future-ready Public Service.
Walson-Jack made the call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments (NCE) held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, according to a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, on Friday in Abuja.
She said the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda depends largely on the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of the Civil and Public Services at both the Federal and State levels.
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Describing the NCE as the apex policy-making body on Public Service structures, Schemes of Service and Conditions of Service in Nigeria, the HCSF urged members of the Council to ensure that all establishment decisions are guided by objectivity, professionalism, patriotism and the overall interest of Nigerians.
According to her, the ongoing review of the Schemes of Service and requests for the creation of new cadres will be driven by the findings of the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA), to ensure that future workforce decisions are based on credible data, institutional priorities and the evolving demands of the workplace.
She explained that PASGA extends beyond digital verification of personnel records, noting that it is designed to map workforce competencies, identify critical skills gaps and provide reliable data for informed decisions on training, deployment, workforce development and succession planning.
“The future of our Public Service must be anchored on evidence, innovation and strategic workforce planning to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world,” she said.
Walson-Jack also expressed appreciation to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the state government for hosting the Council meeting and commended the governor for personally attending the opening ceremony.
Declaring the meeting open, Governor Fubara described the Public Service as the engine room of government, stressing the need for institutions to become more agile, digitally enabled and accountable in responding to technological advancements and changing workforce realities.
He commended the HCSF for what he described as her bold leadership and ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the Federal Civil Service, adding that Rivers State is studying some of the initiatives for possible adaptation.
In her welcome address, the Head of Service of Rivers State, Dr. Inyingi Brown, said the gathering underscored the collective commitment of Public Service leaders to building a stronger, more responsive and globally competitive Public Service.
Brown noted that the meeting provides an opportunity for stakeholders to chart a forward-looking path for Public Service administration in Nigeria.
The 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments brought together the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside other senior government officials to deliberate on key policies and reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s Public Service.