The Federal Government has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to reform Nigeria’s civil service.
This was disclosed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, the partnership aims to reposition Nigeria’s civil service as Africa’s finest.
Speaking at the maiden International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, Walson-Jack said the conference was part of the 2025 Civil Service Week, aimed at reforming Nigeria’s public service.
The conference gathered foreign delegates, heads of service from 36 states, and past and present permanent secretaries.
“This gathering is historic. We are setting a fresh tone, pace, and standard for public service in Nigeria, Africa, and globally,” Walson-Jack said.
She added that for Nigeria to lead Africa, its civil service must lead the transformation.
The Head of Civil Service commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting public sector reforms, describing the civil service as vital to national transformation.
She also acknowledged past heads of service, retired permanent secretaries, and directors who laid the foundation for reforms.
A key highlight of the partnership was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UNDP to boost capacity building and institutional performance.
According to Walson-Jack, the MOU will help transform the Public Service Institute of Nigeria into a global centre for public service excellence and support digital transformation of civil service operations in five pilot states.
Walson-Jack noted that the platform is about inclusion, allowing youth to shape the future of public service.
“This is our moment. Let us rejuvenate, innovate, and accelerate—for Nigeria, Africa, and the world,” Walson-Jack urged civil servants, emphasising the need for a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused public service.
The conference also featured the launch of ServiceWise GPT, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance efficiency in civil service processes.
The AI tool provided accurate, real-time answers on civil service rules, policies, and procedures.
The conference also included the Aspire Stage, where young civil servants shared innovative ideas for Nigeria’s future public service.
