No fewer than 5,000 delegates and participants from across Africa and beyond are expected to attend Nigeria’s International Civil Service Conference, scheduled to hold in Abuja from June 25 to 26, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said that the event, a major highlight of this year’s Nigerian Civil Service Week and Africa Public Service Day celebrations, will run from Friday, June 20 to Saturday, June 28.
Walson-Jack said that with the theme ‘Rejuvenate, Innovate and Accelerate,’ the conference will bring together public service leaders, reformers, and stakeholders from across the continent and the global community.
She said that the event aims to promote innovation, share reform strategies, and strengthen governance systems that are responsive, accountable, and citizen-focused.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation described the forthcoming event as a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey to reposition its civil service into a modern, development-driven institution capable of regional and international leadership.
“The 2025 Civil Service Week will feature spiritually uplifting, intellectually engaging, and socially rewarding activities designed to celebrate excellence in public service, deepen reform conversations, and foster unity within the civil service,” she said.
Walson-Jack also noted that African Public Service Day, adopted in 1994 in Tangier, Morocco, is celebrated annually on June 23 to promote professional excellence and public sector innovation.
“In alignment with Agenda 2063 of the African Union, Nigeria is commemorating this day with a week-long series of events to celebrate achievements and stimulate forward-looking policy dialogue,” she said.
According to her, the week-long celebration will include commissioning of a remodeled reception at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, Special Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque, Thanksgiving service at the Family Worship Centre, Wuye, Civil servants’ social gathering, Award and recognition ceremony and Study tour to Abuja by Heads of Civil Service from various states.
She emphasised that Nigeria is reaffirming its leadership role in building a transparent, innovative, and people-centred public service across Africa.
“The activities lined up are not only ceremonial but reflect a deeper commitment to institutional renewal, human capital development, and the drive toward a 21st-century civil service that delivers efficiently and equitably to the Nigerian people,” she added.
Walson-Jack further said that the conference is set to be a historic gathering, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a hub for public service excellence and reform in Africa.
