Civil Service Reform: Fed Govt Unveils Digital HR Platform, Mentoring

The federal government has intensified efforts to modernise the civil service with the introduction of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System Human Resources (IPPIS-HR) Employee Self-Service Application and the rollout of the Public Service Mentoring Programme aimed at strengthening leadership succession and knowledge transfer across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The permanent secretary, Career Management Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Mrs Nkiruka Jones-Nebo, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja during the presentation of the IPPIS-HR Module and a sensitisation programme on the Public Service Mentoring Policy and Guidelines, known as the Mentoring Marketplace.

The event formed part of activities marking the 2026 Civil Service Week and attracted permanent secretaries, directors-general, chief executive officers, heads of training institutions, human resource managers, retired senior public servants, development partners and other stakeholders.

Jones-Nebo described the two initiatives as critical components of the ongoing reform agenda aimed at building a modern, efficient and citizen-focused Public Service.

According to her, while the IPPIS HR Module seeks to modernize human resource management through technology-driven processes, the Mentoring Programme is intended to strengthen leadership capacity, institutional memory and succession planning within the Service.

“Today’s programme brings together two strategic initiatives that are critical to the future of the Federal Civil Service: digital transformation and leadership development. Effective institutions are built not only on sound systems and technology but also on capable, motivated and well-prepared people,” she said.

The permanent secretary praised the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack for providing visionary leadership that has continued to reposition the Nigerian Civil Service as a model of innovation and transformation on the African continent.

She noted that the growing recognition of Nigeria’s public service reforms was demonstrated by a recent study tour undertaken by a delegation from The Gambia, led by that country’s Secretary to the Government and Head of Civil Service, to understudy reform initiatives being implemented in Nigeria.

“The decision of a sister African nation to visit Nigeria to learn from our experiences is a clear indication that the reforms championed by Mrs. Walson-Jack are gaining recognition beyond our borders and are repositioning the Nigerian Civil Service as a reference point for public sector transformation in Africa,” she stated.

Jones-Nebo explained that the newly introduced IPPIS HR Employee Self-Service Application would simplify routine personnel processes, improve access to information and enhance accountability and transparency in the management of human resources across government institutions.

She said the platform would empower employees and managers to carry out various HR functions through self-service features, thereby reducing administrative delays and improving operational efficiency.

“The IPPIS HR Module aligns with our broader reform objectives of building a responsive, agile and technology-enabled Public Service capable of delivering quality services to citizens,” she added.

On the Public Service Mentoring Policy and Guidelines, recently approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the Permanent Secretary described the development as a major milestone in institutionalizing mentorship within the Federal Civil Service.

She said the initiative would provide a structured platform for experienced officers to mentor younger professionals, facilitate knowledge transfer and preserve institutional memory.

According to her, mentoring remains a critical tool for talent development, leadership grooming and succession planning, while also strengthening organizational culture and professional growth.

“The Mentoring Marketplace is more than a programme; it is an investment in the future of the Federal Public Service. It reflects our collective determination to cultivate excellence, strengthen leadership capacity and build a workforce equipped to meet present and future challenges,” she said.

She emphasised that the simultaneous implementation of the digital HR platform and mentoring programme was deliberate, noting that both initiatives complement each other in driving public service transformation.

While the IPPIS HR Module strengthens systems and processes through technology, she said, the mentoring programme strengthens people through knowledge sharing, coaching and leadership development.

Jones-Nebo called on permanent secretaries, chief executive officers, directors and heads of Human Resource Management as well as Reform Coordination and Service Improvement units to champion the successful implementation of the reforms across Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies.

She also commended Soft Alliance and Resources Limited for supporting the government’s digital transformation agenda and acknowledged the contributions of management consultant Mrs. Francisca Odeka and other stakeholders involved in developing the Public Service Mentoring Policy and Guidelines.

As activities for the 2026 Civil Service Week continue, the permanent secretary urged public servants to remain committed to professionalism, innovation, accountability, integrity and excellence in service delivery.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to building a modern, efficient, citizen-centred and globally competitive Public Service capable of meeting the aspirations of Nigerians.