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FG Sets Up Committees for Civil Service Personnel Audit, Skills Gap Analysis
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.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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