From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, has officially opened the much-anticipated Study Tour for State Heads of Service, yesterday, urging participants to embrace a collective vision of transformation and deliver measurable results as Nigeria approaches the final phase of its civil service reform agenda.
Addressing the gathering of state heads of service, directors and senior officials at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, Walson-Jack, lauded their dedication and ongoing commitment as vital to the progress of the reform initiatives.
“This gathering is not just a moment of reflection, but a renewed call to action. We are here not to compete but to complete.”
Reflecting on the earlier study tour to Singapore, which showcased the power of a disciplined, digitally-driven and citizen-focused civil service, she described the current tour to key ministries and institutions in Abuja as a continuation of the inspiring journey. She assured participants that such collaborative learning efforts would continue in the future.
She stressed the importance of the moment as Nigeria enters the final stretch of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25). “The theme for this phase, “Final Sprint: Delivering Results,” calls for precision, stamina and unwavering resolve.
“This is also the ‘Year of Accomplishment,’ a year not for promises, but for results. The Nigerian people are watching. Let them see evidence of our progress in improved service delivery, agile processes, digitalisation and a motivated workforce.”
Reaffirming her support, the head of the civil service assured participants of access to policy direction, training, innovation support and technical collaboration from the federal centre. “This is a shared mission. We succeed together or not at all,” she said.
She encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions and site visits, challenge old assumptions and return with actionable plans tailored to their states’ unique needs. Leadership, she noted, is critical in driving change.
“Lead your teams with clarity and courage, because change travels fastest when leaders light the way,” she urged. “Monitor your progress with integrity, because data is the compass that guides reform.”
While declaring the study tour open, Walson-Jack expressed hope that it would be “enriching, energising and enduring in its impact on our service and on the lives of the citizens we are privileged to serve.
“Let us run this final sprint with courage and purpose. Let 2025 truly be the Year of Accomplishment. And may it be said of us that when the time came to deliver, we delivered,” she affirmed.