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FG Sets Up Committees for Civil Service Personnel Audit, Skills Gap Analysis

Published

1 year ago

August 27, 2025

By Joel Ajayi

In a decisive step toward reforming the Nigerian Civil Service, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, inaugurated the Steering and Project Implementation Committees for the Service-wide Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, OHCSF, Mrs. Eno Olotu, the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to build a modern, efficient, and fit-for-purpose Civil Service. The exercise aims to determine the true size, structure, and skills composition of the workforce while identifying competencies required for future service excellence.

Delivering her keynote address, Mrs. Walson-Jack emphasized that “the machinery of governance can only function effectively when powered by the right calibre of human capital, strategically deployed and continuously developed.” She noted that the audit will establish a verified, digital personnel database linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN) and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), thereby eliminating ghost workers, correcting inconsistencies, and producing an accurate workforce profile.

The initiative will further: Identify current and future skills gaps in critical areas such as ICT, project management, public finance, and data analysis, Review and strengthen training programmes for targeted capacity development, Enhance Human Resource Management systems through the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) and Improve efficiency and cut costs by plugging financial leakages, eliminating redundancies, and enabling strategic redeployment of resources.

She stressed that the exercise is developmental rather than punitive, describing it as a data-driven reform designed to reposition the Federal Civil Service for present and future challenges.

The Steering Committee, chaired by the HCSF, comprises key Permanent Secretaries, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Director-General of the Budget Office, a representative from the Presidency, and relevant consultants. It is mandated to provide policy direction, approve milestones, and ensure alignment with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP-25).

The Project Implementation Committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, OHCSF, Dr. Danjuma Usman Kalba, includes senior OHCSF directors, representatives of the accountant-General’s Office, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and retired senior civil servants with technical expertise. Its duties cover methodology validation, data collection, compliance checks, and timely reporting.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Deborah Odoh, described the exercise as “a significant step toward an efficient, productive, and effective Civil Service.”

Speaking on behalf of both committees, Dr. Kalba commended President Tinubu for approving what he called “a bold reform fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.” He stressed that the audit is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening institutions and ensuring value for money in governance.

Mrs. Walson-Jack charged both committees to commence work immediately with professionalism and integrity, adding that the successful completion of the exercise would lay a strong foundation for an efficient, productive, incorruptible, and citizen-centred Civil Service.

The Steering Committee is expected to complete its assignment within six months, while the Project Implementation Committee will deliver its outputs in four months.

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

3 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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