…Targets Full Digitalisation of Civil Service by December 2025
By Joel Ajayi
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to creating a public service that delivers real value to every Nigerian.
She announced that the Federal Government remains firmly on track to fully digitise all core civil service processes by December 31, 2025, as part of ongoing reforms aimed at boosting efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the Quarterly Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Forum of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Mrs. Walson-Jack said the government is working towards an efficient, productive, incorruptible, and citizen-centred civil service.
Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support, describing it as a testament to the highest level of commitment to civil service transformation.
The forum, themed “Strengthening Service Delivery through Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement”, underscored that citizen participation is not optional but essential for national development. According to the HoCSF, the platform is designed to foster honest dialogue, shared problem-solving, and collective ownership of reforms that will reshape the Civil Service.
She noted that trust and collaboration between government and citizens are the keys to building a thriving nation.
Mrs. Walson-Jack recalled the successes of the 2025 Civil Service Week and the International Civil Service Conference (ICSC), describing them as milestones that showcased pride, innovation, and creativity within the public service.
“The ICSC was a product of innovation, creativity, partnership, and collaboration. I am proud to note that the conference even paid for itself, demonstrating the power of resourcefulness and strategic alliances in delivering impactful programmes,” she said.
She stressed that one of the most profound achievements of ongoing reforms is the renewed public trust in the Civil Service — a development she described as priceless and worth preserving through openness, dialogue, and consistent engagement with citizens and stakeholders.
Mrs. Walson-Jack also commended the media, civil society, and diplomatic partners for helping communicate reform efforts, holding the service accountable, and providing grassroots feedback that shapes policy direction.
Guided by the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), which concludes on 31 December 2025, she highlighted progress across the six reform pillars:
Human Capacity Development: Through ONCE-Knowledge, civil service career growth has been redefined from entry to retirement, with programmes like SMAT-P, LEAD-P, AI training modules, executive masterclasses, and structured onboarding and exit schemes.
Right Personnel: A nationwide Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis begins in August to ensure “the right people in the right roles,” guiding recruitment, retraining, and workforce planning.
Performance Management: A new Performance Management System (PMS) replaces outdated appraisals with measurable goals and performance contracts, promoting accountability and results.
Payroll Integrity (IPPIS Cleanup): Collaboration with the Federal Civil Service Commission is eliminating waste, curbing fraud, and ensuring prompt, accurate salary payments, saving public funds.
Innovation: The 2025 Civil Service Innovation Challenge showcased bold, creative solutions; the upcoming Ministerial Innovation Challenge will give all officers — from junior to senior — a platform to share and implement ideas.
Digitalisation & E-Government: Over 34,100 civil servants now use official GovMail accounts. Migration to the 1-GOV Cloud is underway, ensuring secure, integrated operations. Tools like the Online Compendium of Circulars, Service-Wise GPT, and e-newsletters are enhancing transparency and speed.
Welfare & Motivation: Plans are in place to introduce eco-friendly electric staff buses to reduce commuting stress and improve punctuality, alongside collaboration with the Pension Commission to secure post-service welfare.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office (SPSO), Dr. Deborah Odoh, reaffirmed the commitment to a singular goal — building a world-class service that delivers value-driven, people-centred, and innovation-led governance.
“Together, as one community of service at both federal and state levels, we share a common mission: to build a civil service that works better, serves better, delivers better, and truly reflects our nation’s aspirations,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa — represented by Dr. Philip Ndiomu — noted that effective governance thrives on collaboration, transparency, and active citizen participation.
“As we chart the way forward, we encourage open dialogue and constructive feedback, all in pursuit of our shared resolve to strengthen the service for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he stated.
