By Idris Ibrahim
The Heads of the Civil Service of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have agreed to strengthen ties that will advance civil service reforms in Nigeria.
This was the outcome of a meeting between the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation of Nigeria, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and the UK Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, Rt. Hon. Simon Case, held at the UK Cabinet Office, London.
Head, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, made this known in a statement in Abuja, saying dialogue was focused on knowledge sharing and best practices to support Nigeria’s ongoing reform initiatives under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021-2025.
Key discussions focused on capability building, knowledge management, and enhancing Nigeria’s Civil Service Week activities by drawing inspiration from the UK’s annual “Civil Service Live” conference model.
According to the statement, both parties agreed to explore exchange programs and study tours to facilitate mutual learning, with an emphasis on knowledge sharing.
It added that the Head of the UK Civil Service committed to sharing insights on Civil Service development while recognising the value of learning from Nigeria’s experiences.
“This collaborative effort will strengthen the partnership between the Civil Services, enhance capabilities, and foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
“The meeting underscored the commitment of Nigeria and the UK to building efficient and responsive civil services, with continued partnership and support in the years ahead,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to recognising and rewarding civil servants who demonstrate exceptional diligence, integrity, accountability, and a citizen-centred approach in their duties.
Walson-Jack underscored the critical role of the Civil Service in delivering on the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising that the primary purpose of the Civil Service is to serve the Nigerian people effectively.
She said: “If we are to achieve the goals of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, it is essential that we foster unity and rally every member of the Civil Service to work with diligence, integrity, accountability, and, above all, a focus on the citizens of Nigeria, who are the true beneficiaries of our service.”
Walson-Jack spoke during a recent interaction with top management staff, who paid a courtesy visit to her office in honour of her birthday.
The Head of Service used the opportunity to highlight the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the patriotic contributions of civil servants.
She noted, “It should be standard practice to celebrate and recognise those who have rendered exceptional service. We are working on a recognition policy and guidelines to ensure that civil servants are acknowledged and celebrated appropriately and in a timely manner.”
The Rewards and Recognition System provided for in the Public Service Rules 2021 is a key component of the 6th pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025.
“This system is designed to recognise and reward significant contributions by civil servants, even in the face of challenges, thereby creating role models, promoting positive behaviours, and supporting the attainment of the goals and objectives of ministries, extra-ministerial departments, and agencies,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Mr Raymond Omachi, in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, expressed gratitude for the HCSF’s leadership and prayed for continued wisdom and divine guidance as she leads the ongoing efforts to reposition the Civil Service for greater efficiency and excellence.