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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has charged journalists covering the Federal Civil Service to move beyond official statements and continue to ask difficult questions, interrogate policies and hold public institutions accountable.
Walson-Jack gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja at a special interactive session with media correspondents and editors, as she reflected on her two-year tenure as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The HCSF, who is approaching the end of her tenure, said a strong relationship between the media and public institutions must be anchored on scrutiny, constructive criticism and a shared commitment to serving Nigerians.
“Of course, the responsibility of the media goes beyond reporting events or repeating official statements. You must ask difficult questions, seek clarification, interrogate issues and hold public institutions accountable,” she told the journalists.
Walson-Jack, who acknowledged that some questions from journalists had at times been tougher than the reforms being implemented by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), said such scrutiny had helped the institution improve.
“Indeed, some of your questions have occasionally been more difficult than the reforms themselves! But those questions have also helped us to reflect, communicate more clearly and improve our work,” she said.
She stressed that institutions could not be strengthened by praise alone, arguing that constructive criticism and informed scrutiny were essential to sustainable reform.
“Strong institutions are not built through praise alone. They are strengthened by constructive criticism, informed scrutiny and continuous engagement,” she said.
The HCSF urged the media to sustain responsible, factual and balanced reporting of the Federal Civil Service, particularly as the government pursues reforms aimed at improving efficiency, productivity and service delivery.
She said journalists had played an important role in taking the civil service reform agenda beyond government offices by explaining its policies, achievements, innovations and challenges to Nigerians.
“Through your reports, features, interviews and analyses, you have carried the Civil Service reform story beyond the walls of the OHCSF,” she said.
Walson-Jack specifically commended the media for its coverage of several initiatives and engagements of the OHCSF, including the International Civil Service Conference in 2025 and 2026, the Paperless Civil Service initiative and her First 100 Days in Office press briefing.
According to her, the media’s coverage had helped Nigerians to better understand the transformation taking place within the Federal Civil Service.
She, however, urged journalists not to abandon critical scrutiny in their coverage of government reforms.
“As the Federal Civil Service continues its journey of reform, renewal and transformation, please sustain this tradition of responsible, factual, balanced and constructive journalism,” she said.
“Report our achievements truthfully, interrogate our challenges fairly and continue to help Nigerians understand the vital role of a professional, efficient, productive, ethical, incorruptible and citizen-centred Public Service.”
The HCSF said the reform process remained a work in progress, with more milestones, challenges and lessons ahead.
“The Civil Service reform story is still unfolding, and you are an important part of that story. There will be more milestones to celebrate, challenges to overcome and lessons to share. Please continue to tell the story with accuracy, fairness and depth,” she said.
Reflecting on her tenure, Walson-Jack expressed appreciation for the partnership she had developed with the media over the past two years and expressed confidence that the relationship would continue after her departure.
“As I approach the end of my tenure, I look back on this relationship with great appreciation. I am confident that the partnership between the OHCSF and the media will endure and grow even stronger under my successors,” she said.
She said the relationship between the two institutions was founded on trust, mutual respect and a common commitment to public service.
Walson-Jack concluded with a direct charge to journalists to maintain their watchdog role.
“Please keep asking the important questions. Keep telling the full story. Keep holding the Federal Civil Service to the highest standards,” she said.
“And, every now and then, remember to tell Nigerians that the Civil Service is also making progress!” she added.
