By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike has charged the FCT Civil Service Commission to as part of strategic imperatives towards improvement of the civil service to fully embrace digital transformation.
The Minister stated this at a three-day retreat by the FCT-CSC held at the Armed Officers’ Mess in Abuja with the theme “Building a 21st Century Civil Service Commission: The Role of the FCT Civil Service Commission”.
Wike, represented by the pioneer Head of Civil Service of the FCT Civil Service, Samuel Atang, said the civil service must also prioritise continuous learning and professional development of staff, to equip workers with the latest knowledge.
He said the Commission was at the heart of ensuring a civil service that is not only effective and efficient but also innovative and responsive to the needs of the 21st Century, noting that the Commission must lead the way in implementing e-governance solutions, and enhanced service delivery through technology.
“The FCT Civil Service Commission is at the heart of our efforts to ensure that our civil service is not only effective and efficient but also innovative, adaptive, and responsive to the needs of the 21st Century.
The digital revolution is reshaping every aspect of our lives, and the public sector is no exception. To build a 21st Century civil service, we must fully embrace digital transformation. This means investing in cutting-edge technologies, developing digital skills among our workforce, and fostering a culture of innovation. The Commission must lead the way in implementing e-governance solutions, streaming processes, and enhancing service delivery through technology.
The landscape of public service is constantly evolving, and so must our skills and knowledge. We must prioritize continuous learning and professional development for our staff. This entails regular programs, workshops, and opportunities for higher education”, Wike said.
In his address, the Chairman of the FCT-CSC, Emeka Ezeh, appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, for the establishment of the civil service in the FCT, as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
He highlighted challenges that may be faced by the CSC, especially from disgruntled illegal workers, and those who did not favour the progress of the FCT civil service, adding however that the Commission will carry out its responsibilities “without fear or favour”.
“We are not unmindful of the fact that a new body like the FCT Civil Service Commission will naturally be met with some apprehension by those who are not too sure yet of the responsibilities of the commission. We expect to see those who found their way into the FCT public service illegally mount a campaign of calumny against the Commission, and even against the FCT administration. These are normal in a setup like this.
I want to use this opportunity to assure Mr President and the Honourable Minister of the FCT, our boss, and the Minister of State, that the Commission is committed to discharging its responsibilities without fear or favour. We will not be deterred by those who may feel threatened by the Commission”.
The Chairman also disclosed that the Commission had gotten the digital bio-data of over 30,000 staff of the FCTA, through its “full-fledged ICT Department”, approved by the FCT Minister, which was now awaiting analysis, as a highlight of the CSC’s adoption of technology in the discharge of its duties.
