•Didi Walson-Jack explains vision for greatness
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
Didi Walson-Jack has officially completed her first 100 days as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, culminating in a press briefing in Abuja recently. This milestone event, themed “Marching to Greatness,” provided an opportunity for Walson-Jack to reflect on her achievements and outline her vision for the future of Nigeria’s civil service.
Since her appointment on August 14, 2024, Walson-Jack has focused on implementing the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021-2025). This strategic blueprint, according to her, aims to transform the civil service into a professional, efficient and globally competitive institution.
To ensure effective execution, she inaugurated seven “war rooms,” each dedicated to overseeing one of the six pillars of FCSSIP reforms and their enablers. This structured approach guarantees that no initiative is overlooked and that progress is both measurable and impactful.
Understanding the necessity for a cultural transformation within the civil service, Walson-Jack directed the publication of the Federal Civil Service anthem and launched a culture change video. These initiatives, she said, are designed to instill a renewed sense of purpose, integrity, and pride among civil servants.
“They symbolise a collective aspiration towards a more ethical and dedicated public service,” she stressed.
Collaboration has been central to Walson-Jack’s strategy. Early in her tenure, she engaged with key legislative bodies, including meetings with both the Senate and House Committees on Public Service Matters. These interactions allowed her to present her reform agenda, solicit feedback, and secure legislative support for crucial initiatives. Furthermore, she convened meetings with permanent secretaries to align priorities and foster unity across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Walson-Jack has also prioritised international collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s civil service. Notably, she met with the UK Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case, which opened avenues for capacity building and best practice exchanges. Additionally, her participation in the United Nations General Assembly allowed her to represent Nigeria on critical issues such as poverty eradication and food security, showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to global development goals.
A significant highlight of her first 100 days was a Town Hall meeting with joint unions representing civil servants. This dialogue enabled Walson-Jack to listen directly to workforce concerns, address key issues affecting employees, and foster collaboration between management and labour. By prioritising open communication with unions, she aims to ensure that civil servant welfare remains at the forefront of reform efforts.
To modernise operations within the civil service, Walson-Jack launched several digital initiatives. The Nigeria Federal Civil Service Online Academy provides e-learning opportunities designed to empower civil servants with essential skills for their roles. Additionally, GovMail—a new official email platform—streamlines communication across departments while enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Walson-Jack introduced Performance Management System Day across MDAs to reinforce accountability and promote a results-oriented culture. This initiative encourages civil servants to perform optimally while ensuring that their contributions are recognized and rewarded.
In recognition of over 300 newly promoted directors within the civil service, Walson-Jack hosted a maiden celebratory dinner on November 22, 2024. This event acknowledged their hard work and dedication while reinforcing the importance of leadership in driving reform efforts. During her speech at the dinner, Walson-Jack expressed gratitude for their commitment to excellence and urged them to lead by example as they navigate their new roles.
Looking ahead, Walson-Jack is committed to developing comprehensive onboarding packages for new employees that include induction programmes and welcome packs aimed at creating a positive first impression. She is also collaborating with financial institutions like the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation to establish a consumer credit system that will improve access to affordable credit for civil servants.
Moreover, Walson-Jack is fostering creativity within the civil service through competitions such as an innovation contest and a logo design competition for the Federal Civil Service. These initiatives encourage civil servants to think creatively and contribute solutions to challenges facing the sector.
As she concludes the activities marking her 100 days in office, reflecting on her first 100 days during the press briefing, Walson-Jack acknowledged both achievements and challenges while reaffirming her commitment to continuous improvement within Nigeria’s civil service. She emphasized that transforming the Federal Civil Service was an ongoing process requiring dedication and collaboration from all stakeholders.
She said: “Together, we can build a civil service that is innovative, efficient, and truly responsive to the needs of the people it serves.”
With this vision in mind, Didi Walson-Jack has set forth into her next phase of leadership with determination and optimism for a brighter future in Nigeria’s public sector.