Joel Ajayi
As part of efforts to transform the Nigerian Civil Service into a globally competitive, efficient, and innovative institution, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has officially launched a key reform initiative known as the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA).
The commencent of PASGa initiative was announced on Thursday in Abuja during a sensitization programme organized for Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Unit Heads within the OHCSF.
Speaking on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Deborah Odoh, highlighted the strategic importance of the PASGA initiative.
According to Dr. Odoh, PASGA is a flagship reform initiative under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25). It is designed to enhance the integrity of personnel data, align staff competencies with organizational needs, and promote evidence-based human resource management throughout the Federal Civil Service.
“Today’s event marks another significant milestone in our collective journey to reposition the Civil Service as an efficient, accountable, and digitally driven institution,” she stated.
She noted that PASGA will enable the creation of a comprehensive workforce profile to guide decisions on recruitment, training, deployment, and career progression.
“Over the years, the Service has faced the challenge of fragmented and outdated personnel data, which has contributed to inefficiencies and misaligned skill sets. With PASGA, we are establishing a new benchmark — one that is transparent, data-driven, and performance-focused,” Dr. Odoh added.
The initiative also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which underscores the administration’s commitment to institutional excellence, civil service innovation, and talent optimization.
Mrs. Walson-Jack commended the Permanent Secretary of the Common Services Office (CSO) and the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) for their coordination and preparatory efforts.
She also applauded Knewrow Consulting for their role and charged them to execute the project with professionalism, integrity, and technical precision.
“PASGA is not just an audit — it is a transformative tool that will shape the future of our workforce. It will ensure that appointments, promotions, and performance evaluations are based on accurate data and merit. This is how we build a Civil Service that is truly data-driven, merit-based, and ready for the future,” she concluded.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ayo Muritala, one of the 15 Cluster Consultants working on the PASGA project, reiterated their readiness to deliver on the assignment.
“Our role primarily involves conducting the internal personnel audit and identifying skills gaps. While Fully Consulting serves as the lead consultant, we at Knewrow are committed to supporting the project with excellence.”
He addressed concerns raised regarding data privacy and security, emphasizing that robust systems have been put in place to protect sensitive information.
“The integrity and security of the data being collected are of utmost importance. I can confidently assure you that all necessary systems have been tested and validated. No fieldwork began until we were certain that the digital infrastructure met strict data protection and security standards,” he explained.
On the technology being used, Mr. Muritala clarified that a hybrid approach has been adopted:
“We are leveraging both indigenous expertise and international best practices to ensure the system is secure, robust, and reliable. While concerns based on past experiences are understandable, this framework is entirely new — custom-built for this project. It is as secure as any modern digital infrastructure can be.”
He concluded by reassuring all stakeholders: “You can rest assured that your data is in safe hands. We’ve taken every precaution, and there is absolutely no cause for concern.”
The PASGA project marks a bold step toward building a Nigerian Civil Service that is efficient, accountable, and fully equipped to meet the demands of modern governance.
