Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation
Most Nigerian civil servants lack the requisite 21st-century skills required for effective service delivery, according to Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF).
Walson-Jack made this known at the opening of a two-day study tour for heads of service from all 36 states in Abuja.
“The truth is, most of our civil servants, even at the federal level, do not have the right skills for a 21st-century workforce,” Walson-Jack said.
“We recruited many officers years ago, but with today’s technologically-driven world, recruitment must be guided by relevant modern skills.
Walson-Jack emphasized the need for urgent reforms to address the deficiencies in the civil service.
“While we celebrate the progress made, we must remain mindful of the work that lies ahead. Today’s gathering is not just a moment of reflection, but a renewed call to action,” she said.
The HCSF noted that a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) identified 39 essential skills that need to be infused into Nigeria’s civil service.
To address this, the Federal Government is preparing to conduct a personnel audit and skills gap analysis to guide future recruitment decisions.
The study tour aims to strengthen strategic planning, service delivery, and human capital development through the adoption of digital tools and data-driven systems. Walson-Jack stressed the importance of collaboration between federal and state civil services under the vision of “One Service, Many Jurisdictions.”
The Head of Service of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Biabelemaye Onyema, described the tour as a peer-review opportunity among states. “We are learning from one another; whatever we observe that is working well can be adopted and replicated in our respective states,” she said.
The Head of Service of Katsina State, Mr. Falalu Bawale, commended Walson-Jack for the initiative, saying it would enhance civil service reform at both state and federal levels.
