Civil Service Must Lead Transformation From Within – Walson-Jack

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack has disclosed that Nigeria’s civil service is shifting from isolated reforms to a unified, nationwide movement of sustained transformation, charging civil servants to lead from within.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, Walson-Jack urged civil servants to take ownership of the change needed within the system.

“This is our moment. Not just to modernise tools or tweak processes, but to spark a national movement, one that reaches every ministry, every officer, and ultimately, every citizen,” she said.

She described the two-day conference as a turning point, citing bold discussions, shared innovations, and renewed energy among participants.

While acknowledging the challenges facing the civil service, Walson-Jack highlighted visible signs of progress, including digital advancements like Service-Wise GPT, the Civil Service Online Academy, and improved inter-ministerial collaboration.

“These signs tell us something vital – we are not standing still. We are shifting. But now, we must move from isolated reforms to a sustained movement—driven by belief, fueled by purpose, and grounded in a shared vision,” she said.

The Head of Service while emphasising that true transformation goes beyond policy changes, called for a cultural shift where innovation and continuous improvement become the norm.

“We must stop tweaking around the edges. If we commit to a service that is faster, fairer, and fundamentally human, we will not just transform the Civil Service, we will transform the nation,” she said.

The conference, which was declared open by President Bola Tinubu was attended by civil servants, policymakers, and international experts, concluded with a renewed commitment to driving systemic change from within.