News
OHCSF Begins Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis Initiative to Strengthen Civil Service Capacity
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“Over the years, the Service has faced the challenge of fragmented and outdated personnel data, which has contributed to inefficiencies and misaligned skill sets.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.
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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