Public Service Leaders Unite To Drive Reforms, Professionalism In Nigeria

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), have reaffirmed their commitment to driving reforms, professionalism, innovation, and stronger collaboration within Nigeria’s public service.

The renewed commitment was highlighted during a high-level dinner organised by CIPM in honour of the HCSF, State Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries, and delegates attending the 2026 International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, urged participants to ensure that discussions and ideas from the conference translate into practical reforms across government institutions.

“As you return to your various states after this conference, please cascade the knowledge, insights, tools, and partnerships gained here,” she said. “Let conversations become action, lessons become systems, and inspiration become measurable improvements in service delivery.”

Mrs Walson-Jack described the gathering as more than a social event, noting that it created opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and relationship-building among public sector leaders.

“Some of the best reform ideas do not always come from formal sessions. Sometimes they emerge beside a dinner table, during a warm handshake, or in a conversation that begins with, ‘How are you handling this in your state or ministry?’” she stated.

She also commended CIPM for its sustained support toward professionalism, capacity development, and institutional reforms in the Nigerian public service.

In his goodwill message, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, described the recent recognition of CIPM certification within the Federal Civil Service as a major milestone for the human resources profession in Nigeria.

“This landmark recognition is not just a policy decision. It is a powerful statement that professionalism matters, competence matters, and people management matters in nation-building,” he said.

Gobir praised Mrs Walson-Jack for what he called visionary, people-focused leadership that has boosted confidence in the public sector. He also applauded Heads of Service across the country for their resilience and dedication to governance despite the challenges confronting public administration.

He further announced that the Institute’s 58th International Conference and Exhibition would hold in Abuja from September 21 to 24, 2026, under the theme, “Repositioning for Value and Impact.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, said Nigeria’s public service was at a defining moment that demands courageous leadership, institutional discipline, and sustained collaboration.

“Every nation is ultimately governed by the quality of its institutions, and every institution rises or falls on the strength of its public service,” she said.

According to her, the traditional bureaucratic culture can no longer sustain governance in a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, evolving workforce demographics, and rising citizens’ expectations.