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OHCSF Begins Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis Initiative to Strengthen Civil Service Capacity

Published

12 months ago

October 16, 2025

Joel Ajayi

As part of efforts to transform the Nigerian Civil Service into a globally competitive, efficient, and innovative institution, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has officially launched a key reform initiative known as the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA).

The commencent of PASGa initiative was announced on Thursday in Abuja during a sensitization programme organized for Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Unit Heads within the OHCSF.

Speaking on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Deborah Odoh, highlighted the strategic importance of the PASGA initiative.

According to Dr. Odoh, PASGA is a flagship reform initiative under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25). It is designed to enhance the integrity of personnel data, align staff competencies with organizational needs, and promote evidence-based human resource management throughout the Federal Civil Service.

“Today’s event marks another significant milestone in our collective journey to reposition the Civil Service as an efficient, accountable, and digitally driven institution,” she stated.

She noted that PASGA will enable the creation of a comprehensive workforce profile to guide decisions on recruitment, training, deployment, and career progression.

“Over the years, the Service has faced the challenge of fragmented and outdated personnel data, which has contributed to inefficiencies and misaligned skill sets. With PASGA, we are establishing a new benchmark — one that is transparent, data-driven, and performance-focused,” Dr. Odoh added.

The initiative also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which underscores the administration’s commitment to institutional excellence, civil service innovation, and talent optimization.

Mrs. Walson-Jack commended the Permanent Secretary of the Common Services Office (CSO) and the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) for their coordination and preparatory efforts.

She also applauded Knewrow Consulting for their role and charged them to execute the project with professionalism, integrity, and technical precision.

“PASGA is not just an audit — it is a transformative tool that will shape the future of our workforce. It will ensure that appointments, promotions, and performance evaluations are based on accurate data and merit. This is how we build a Civil Service that is truly data-driven, merit-based, and ready for the future,” she concluded.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ayo Muritala, one of the 15 Cluster Consultants working on the PASGA project, reiterated their readiness to deliver on the assignment.

“Our role primarily involves conducting the internal personnel audit and identifying skills gaps. While Fully Consulting serves as the lead consultant, we at Knewrow are committed to supporting the project with excellence.”

He addressed concerns raised regarding data privacy and security, emphasizing that robust systems have been put in place to protect sensitive information.

“The integrity and security of the data being collected are of utmost importance. I can confidently assure you that all necessary systems have been tested and validated. No fieldwork began until we were certain that the digital infrastructure met strict data protection and security standards,” he explained.

On the technology being used, Mr. Muritala clarified that a hybrid approach has been adopted:

“We are leveraging both indigenous expertise and international best practices to ensure the system is secure, robust, and reliable. While concerns based on past experiences are understandable, this framework is entirely new — custom-built for this project. It is as secure as any modern digital infrastructure can be.”

He concluded by reassuring all stakeholders: “You can rest assured that your data is in safe hands. We’ve taken every precaution, and there is absolutely no cause for concern.”

The PASGA project marks a bold step toward building a Nigerian Civil Service that is efficient, accountable, and fully equipped to meet the demands of modern governance.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

17 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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