From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The federal government on Tuesday, April 29, celebrated creativity in the civil service by awarding N12 million to winners of the 5th Annual Federal Public Service Innovation Competition. The Carpooling Team, a group of five civil servants, clinched the top prize of N5 million for their digital carpooling platform designed to reduce commuting costs for federal workers.
The first runner-up received N3 million, the second runner-up N2 million, and ten other top performers were awarded N200,000 each as consolation prizes. Speaking at the award ceremony in Abuja, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, underscored the competition’s role in advancing the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25).
“Innovation is one of the six key pillars of FCSSIP 25,” she said. “By institutionalising this competition, we are strengthening a fundamental pillar essential for building a future-ready and globally competitive civil service.” Walson-Jack noted that the competition aims to deliver “cheaper, smarter, and more accessible public services while reducing governance costs.”
She noted the competition’s growth since 2020, with this year’s edition attracting over 155 verified entries from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). “We hosted virtual trainings on ideation and pitching, facilitated by innovation consultant Dr Gideon Adogbo,” she said. “A total of 228 individuals formed 66 dynamic teams, each presenting original, implementable solutions.”
Walson-Jack praised President Bola Tinubu’s support for civil service reforms, stating, “His dedication to reform, innovation, and service delivery inspires our efforts to build a world-class public sector.” The Carpooling Team’s leader, Terrang Musa, described their platform as transformative. “Our digital carpooling platform allows civil servants to share transportation costs or rotate driving days, reducing daily commuting expenses,” Musa said. “It’s like an Uber for federal workers, with financial or non-financial options.”
The competition encourages civil servants to identify challenges and propose practical solutions to enhance efficiency. Since its inception, it has led to innovations like the Computer-Based Test application for civil service exams and the Anonymous Reporting System for whistleblowing.
“By investing in innovation, we are improving public service quality and ensuring the Nigerian Civil Service remains globally competitive,” Walson-Jack said.