Joel Ajayi
In a renewed push for a more efficient and citizen-focused public service, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has called on newly promoted Directors to consolidate ongoing reforms and deliver tangible, measurable results across the Federal Civil Service.
She made the call at a Recognition Dinner held in Abuja in honour of 338 newly elevated Directors, describing their promotion as both a milestone and a call to greater responsibility. According to her, Directors play a critical role in bridging the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
Walson-Jack urged the new Directors to sustain the gains of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP25), deepen digitalisation efforts, and prioritise improved service delivery to Nigerians. She noted that the recognition initiative, introduced last year, is aimed at fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and leadership within the Service.
Highlighting key reforms, she pointed to the implementation of the Rotational and Understudy Policies as strategic steps toward strengthening leadership capacity and ensuring continuity in the system.
Congratulating the Directors, she encouraged them to lead with purpose, build cohesive teams, and uphold accountability in the discharge of their duties.
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Tunji Olaopa, commended the Head of Service for championing the initiative and praised the newly promoted Directors for successfully adapting to the computer-based test (CBT) promotion system.
He noted that the CBT process recorded near 100 percent success, setting a new standard in transparency, efficiency, and credibility in public service examinations. Olaopa further highlighted that the approach significantly reduced costs, improved accuracy, and accelerated the release of results.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Usman Garba, emphasised that leadership in the public service demands not only technical competence but also strategic thinking and ethical conduct.
He described the recognition dinner as an opportunity to celebrate excellence, formally welcome the new Directors into the top leadership cadre, and reinforce their commitment to service.
The event was marked by a spirit of camaraderie, as participants celebrated their achievements and reaffirmed their dedication to driving reforms and enhancing public service delivery in Nigeria.
