News
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.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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