Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has stressed the need for institutions that can think independently, adapt to change, innovate and compete globally, as the country intensifies reforms within the public service.
Speaking yesterday at the closing ceremony of the 2026 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu said the future of Nigeria depends largely on building resilient and forward-thinking institutions capable of meeting global standards.
The conference also witnessed the launch of the Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reforms and Equity for Women ,INSPIRE, an initiative aimed at strengthening inclusion and leadership development within the civil service.
The First Lady commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, and her team for championing the initiative, describing INSPIRE as a timely platform that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to her, the success of INSPIRE would not be measured by its launch alone but by its long-term impact on governance, mentorship, learning, collaboration and leadership development across the public service.
“Our nation needs institutions that can think, adapt, innovate, and compete globally. I urge all stakeholders to support this initiative”, she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu noted that the civil service Nigeria seeks to build must reward competence, promote fairness, encourage innovation and provide equal opportunities for professional growth while reflecting excellence and inclusion.
She acknowledged the vital contributions women continue to make within the public service as administrators, professionals, technical officers and leaders, adding that more deliberate inclusion remains necessary to allow women contribute meaningfully to decision-making and governance.
The First Lady further stated that empowering women strengthens institutions, improves governance and enhances service delivery to citizens, stressing that initiatives like INSPIRE are critical to national development.
She also applauded the initiative’s focus on mentoring women from junior to executive levels within the service, noting that leadership development must begin early.
“A young officer who is properly mentored today may become the Permanent Secretary, Head of Service, Minister or national leader tomorrow”, she added.
Mrs. Tinubu equally called on public servants to embrace innovation, digital skills, integrity and continuous self-development while encouraging male officers to continue supporting fairness, respect and equal opportunities in the workplace.
