News Investigators/ The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Didi Walson-Jack, has charged newly promoted directors in the Federal Civil Service to sustain ongoing reforms.
Mrs Walson-Jack who gave the charge at a recognition dinner held in Abuja in honour of 338 newly promoted directors, also urged them to uphold high standards of leadership and accountability.
She described the event as not only a celebration, but also an opportunity for reflection, recommitment and preparation for higher responsibilities.
The HCSF, who disclosed that the dinner would be her last in that capacity, tasked the directors on protecting and strengthening reforms already established within the service.
“The future of the Federal Civil Service now rests in no small measure on your shoulders,” she said.
She emphasised that promotion in the civil service was earned through discipline, resilience and proven performance, adding that the new role came with greater expectations and scrutiny.
According to her, directors occupy a strategic position as the bridge between policy formulation and implementation, and are critical to achieving results in governance.
She highlighted the importance of sustaining reforms under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), noting that the service had entered a phase of consolidation and improved service delivery.
She urged the directors to strengthen performance management, drive digitalisation, promote innovation and prioritise staff welfare.
The HCSF also referenced the transition to a paperless civil service, which took effect on Dec. 31, 2025, describing it as a major milestone in improving efficiency and accountability.
She called on the directors to ensure effective use of digital systems, including the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) platform.
Walson-Jack further disclosed that government was developing a rotational policy, to give directors leadership exposure as well as an understudy policy to enhance mentoring and succession planning.
She stressed the need for measurable outcomes in all government programmes, adding that Nigerians must feel the impact of public service delivery.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, commended the newly promoted directors and described them as a “unique cohort”.
Olaopa noted that they were the first set to undergo computer-based tests (CBT) in promotion examinations, which he said improved transparency, reduced cost and enhanced efficiency.
He, however, expressed concern over declining professional competencies within the civil service, particularly in core administrative skills and policy understanding.
The chairman attributed the trend partly to prolonged embargo on recruitment, which he said had weakened workforce planning, talent management and succession structures.
He also cited systemic challenges, including skill gaps and manpower imbalances across ministries, departments and agencies.
Olaopa called for reforms to strengthen performance evaluation systems and improve capacity building, while expressing optimism that ongoing human resource audits would address structural deficiencies.
He also disclosed that six civil servants who were kidnapped while travelling for the promotion examination were granted automatic promotion on compassionate grounds.
The chairman commiserated with the victims and assured that measures would be taken to decentralise future promotion processes to prevent similar incidents.
He urged the new directors to embrace their roles as change agents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event was attended by senior government officials, stakeholders and development partners.
NAN