by The Ajasa News | June 26, 2025 3:17 pm
Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, has boldly declared that the era of business as usual is over in the federal civil service, marking the beginning of a new chapter of innovation, transformation, and global-standard governance.
Speaking at the opening of the maiden International Civil Service Conference held at Eagle Square, Abuja, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Walson-Jack described the gathering as more than a conference “a movement of renewal, creativity, and progress.” Attended by delegates from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the event set a transformative tone for public sector excellence across the continent.
In her keynote address, Walson-Jack delivered a passionate call to action, urging the civil service to “rejuvenate, innovate, and accelerate” in response to the demands of a fast-evolving 21st century. Her powerful speech received a standing ovation from an audience filled with reformers, technocrats, and global governance experts.
Walson-Jack highlighted critical reforms already in motion under her leadership, including:
* The implementation of a paperless Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) ;
* A Performance Management System that ties civil servants’ goals to national development priorities;
* The *restructuring of training institutions* to focus on digital competencies and future-readiness.
“These are not pilot ideas,” she affirmed. “These are active deliverables signaling the new spirit of transformation within our public service.” She stressed that change must become a culture, not a buzzword, and that Nigeria must embrace and meet global governance standards right at home.
Adding perspective, keynote speaker and governance expert Dr. Joe Abah warned that even the most visionary reforms will falter without firm political support. “If the politicians do not want the civil service to work, it won’t, no matter how visionary the leadership is,” he cautioned. He, however, hailed Walson-Jack’s reform drive as “bold, courageous, and future-oriented.”
The two-day international conference, hosted in partnership with the UK-based Global Government Forum, brings together delegates and speakers from countries including Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Singapore. Topics on the agenda include:
* Artificial intelligence in governance
* Climate-responsive administration
* Citizen-centered public service design
* Agile leadership models
In a rousing appeal during her closing remarks, Walson-Jack turned to the younger generation of public servants:
“You are not the future of the civil service you are its present,” she declared. “Your creativity, energy, and courage will define whether we succeed or fail in this journey.”
As strategic sessions continue and new international collaborations are expected to follow, one message has been made loud and clear: Nigeria’s civil service has entered a bold new era one that demands excellence, integrity, and innovation.
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