By Joel Ajayi

In a powerful endorsement of ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s civil service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) for its transformational efforts, describing the service as the “engine” propelling his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the maiden International Civil Service Conference held in Abuja, President Tinubu struck an optimistic tone, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare, capacity, and morale of public servants nationwide.

Describing the conference as a “historic meeting of minds,” the President praised the initiative led by Head of Service, Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and celebrated the bold vision behind the conference theme, “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!” which he said mirrors Nigeria’s aspirations for a modern, ethical, and globally competitive civil service.

“Civil servants are not just facilitators of government policy; they are the heartbeat of national development,” Tinubu declared. “Their work ensures stability, drives innovation, and delivers the services that shape citizens’ daily lives.”

The President commended the successful implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021–2025), noting progress in digitising administrative processes, launching continuous learning platforms, and deploying artificial intelligence tools like the Service-Wise GPT, a locally developed innovation aimed at boosting efficiency.

Underscoring his administration’s people-centered approach, President Tinubu rolled out a series of policy actions to uplift workers. These include the new national minimum wage, consequential salary adjustments, and the approval of the Pension Bond Scheme—all targeted at boosting morale and recognizing the sacrifices of Nigeria’s public servants.

“These actions are not just economic necessities; they are moral obligations,” the President stated. “We owe it to those who keep our public institutions running to reward their dedication.”

In a move to deepen institutional efficiency, Tinubu also announced the commencement of a comprehensive personnel audit and skills gap analysis across the civil service. The goal, he explained, is to ensure that talent is effectively aligned with national priorities, fostering a culture of high performance.

Data governance also featured prominently in the President’s address.

He instructed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, emphasizing that accurate, secure, and accessible data is essential for evidence-based policymaking.

“Our data must become an asset for development,” he said. “Anchoring our systems within local or allied data centers ensures sovereignty, privacy, and visibility on the global stage.”

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to international partners such as the United Nations and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for their continued support, particularly in capacity-building programs like the Executive Leadership Programme on Digital Literacy.

He also used the platform to challenge public sector leaders to carry the momentum of the conference into action: “Let this gathering not be a ceremony, but a catalyst for change. Go back to your offices with new energy. Make innovation a daily habit. Let our service reflect the hope of every Nigerian.”

With these inspiring words, the President officially brought the conference to a close, setting a new tone for the future of Nigeria’s civil service—one rooted in accountability, excellence, and a deep commitment to national transformation.

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