The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Didi Esther Walson-Jack, along with Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), have reaffirmed their dedication to transforming Nigeria’s public service. This commitment focuses on stronger collaboration, professionalism, innovation, and institutional reforms.
The renewed pledge was made during a high-level dinner organized by CIPM in honor of the HCSF, State Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries, and delegates attending the 2026 International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, HCSF Didi Walson-Jack emphasized the importance of translating conference discussions into practical reforms across government institutions. She stated, "As you return to your various states after this conference, please cascade the knowledge, insights, tools, and partnerships gained here. Let conversations become action, lessons become systems, and inspiration become measurable improvements in service delivery."
She described the dinner as more than a social gathering, noting that it provided an opportunity for collaboration, reflection, and relationship-building among key public-sector leaders. Walson-Jack also commended CIPM for its continued support for professionalism, capacity development, and institutional reforms within the Nigerian public service.
In his goodwill address, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Ahmed Gobir, described the recent recognition of CIPM certification within the federal civil service as a landmark development for the human resources profession in Nigeria. He said, "This landmark recognition is not just a policy decision. It is a powerful statement that professionalism matters, competence matters, and people management matters in nation-building."
Gobir commended Walson-Jack for what he described as visionary and people-focused leadership that has inspired renewed confidence across the public sector. He also celebrated Heads of Service across the federation for their resilience and dedication to governance despite the challenges associated with public sector administration.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Mahmood, stated that Nigeria’s public service is at a defining moment requiring courageous leadership, institutional discipline, and sustained collaboration. She noted that traditional bureaucratic culture can no longer sustain governance in a rapidly changing world driven by technology, an evolving workforce, and rising citizen expectations. However, she expressed optimism about the future of the Nigerian public service, citing the growing commitment among public servants to professionalism, innovation, and accountability.
The dinner also featured the second edition of the CIPM Special Recognition Awards, designed to promote HR professionalism and encourage strategic people management initiatives within the public sector. Awards were presented for supporting CIPM membership drives in the Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, and FCT civil services. Recognitions were given to states and institutions that successfully hosted specialized CIPM induction ceremonies for civil servants during the year under review.
