Follow Us on Google
• Delegates expected from US, UK, nine other countries
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu will declare open the 2026 International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) in Abuja on May 20–21, where a wide range of international delegates are set to converge for a global public service dialogue on “Reforms, Resilience and Results”.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation said the second edition of the ICSC will convene public service leaders, reform champions, development partners and representatives of international organisations from Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Eno Olotu, delegations are expected from the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Switzerland, Ghana, The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Algeria, Sudan and Indonesia.
“The Conference will provide a high-level platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and strategic collaboration on how Civil Services across the world can adapt to emerging realities, strengthen institutional resilience and deliver measurable impact for citizens,” the statement read.
The organisers emphasised the conference’s global reach: “Delegates and representatives from several countries… are expected to participate, further strengthening the Conference’s growing global relevance and international outlook,” the statement said.
The two-day programme will mix high-level plenaries, technical roundtables, fireside conversations and interactive sessions aimed at producing practical solutions for modernising public service systems. Core topics include institutional reform, digital transformation, leadership, workforce development, performance management, innovation, accountability and service delivery.
Other News
“The Conference will spotlight practical reforms and transformative strategies that have strengthened resilience within public institutions, while driving tangible results in governance, institutional performance and service delivery,” Head of the Civil Service Didi Walson-Jack is quoted as saying in the release.
She framed the event as a vehicle for exchanging tried-and-tested reforms and scaling successful models across jurisdictions.
Walson-Jack also thanked sponsors and development partners, saying their “collaboration and commitment are critical to the successful hosting of the Conference and to the broader advancement of Public Service transformation.”
Beyond speeches and panels, the Conference will feature exhibition booths showcasing digital solutions, institutional best practices and service offerings from participating agencies and partners. The organisers said these exhibits will allow visiting delegations and local institutions to demonstrate tools that could enhance governance and service delivery.
“The event will convene senior government officials, Heads of Civil Service institutions, development partners, policy experts, reform practitioners and representatives of international organisations from Africa and beyond,” the release said, stressing that networking and alliance-building are central objectives. Development partners attending are expected to bring comparative perspectives on resilience-building and technical cooperation.
The statement framed hosting the ICSC as an opportunity for Nigeria to deepen reform conversations and attract international technical cooperation. “The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation reaffirms its commitment to delivering a world-class Conference that will strengthen global partnerships, deepen reform conversations and set a renewed agenda for resilient, innovative and results-oriented Public Service delivery,” it concluded.
