Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has called for leadership anchored on discipline, integrity and accountability as a prerequisite for building strong institutions and achieving sustainable national development.
She made the call in Abuja during the investiture of Mrs. Rose Eshiett as Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, Abuja Zone, and the inauguration of its 11th Executive Committee.
Walson-Jack told directors, senior public servants and corporate leaders that Nigeria’s development trajectory depends heavily on the quality of leadership across both public and private institutions.
She noted that the values promoted by CIoD align with the Federal Civil Service transformation agenda, which prioritises professionalism, innovation, accountability, digitalisation and citizen-focused service delivery.
According to her, no institution can function effectively without leaders who are committed to continuous learning and ethical responsibility.
“Strong institutions require strong leadership, and strong leadership requires continuous learning, discipline and ethical responsibility,” she said.
The Head of Service stressed that leadership must be judged not by procedure or ceremony, but by measurable impact on citizens’ lives.
“For us in the Public Service, boardroom excellence is not about sitting around a polished table and saying, ‘I concur.’ It is about asking the right questions, taking the right decisions, accepting responsibility and ensuring that decisions translate into results,” she said.
She added that Nigerians are more interested in outcomes than administrative processes, insisting that governance must deliver visible value.
Walson-Jack also urged stronger institutional collaboration between the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and CIoD, especially in building governance capacity for permanent secretaries and senior government officials.
She said such collaboration would enhance institutional performance and strengthen ministries, departments and agencies nationwide.
The Head of Service further proposed increased participation of senior public servants in CIoD, saying it would strengthen discipline, due process and accountability in governance.
“They will come with digital files, ask for the circular, request the minutes, insist on due process, and still remind everyone that the deadline was yesterday. Interestingly, that is exactly the kind of discipline institutions need,” she said.
Walson-Jack maintained that Nigeria needs leaders who can combine private sector efficiency with public service discipline while upholding integrity and managing complex governance demands.
“Nigeria needs leaders who combine private sector agility with public service discipline; leaders who understand governance, manage complexity, uphold integrity and deliver sustainable value, especially in uncertain times,” she added.
She congratulated the new CIoD leadership, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them through performance-driven leadership.
“A title may open the door, but performance keeps the seat,” she said.
Earlier, the newly inaugurated Chairman of CIoD Abuja Zone, Mrs. Rose Eshiett, said her administration would focus on three priorities: increasing visibility of the institute, expanding membership and boosting revenue generation.
She said many Nigerians were still unaware of the institute’s role in promoting governance excellence.
“Not so many people know that the CIoD exists in Nigeria. So we want it more visible because of the advantages it carries,” she said.
Eshiett added that her leadership would strengthen corporate governance training and ethical leadership across sectors.
Also speaking, President and Chairman of CIoD Governing Council, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji, said corporate boards play a decisive role in shaping economic outcomes in the country.
He noted that the institute is working with key institutions, including the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, to improve governance standards in public enterprises.
The event brought together top government officials, corporate leaders and governance professionals for discussions on leadership in a rapidly changing global environment.
