Era of Isolated Reforms in Civil Service Over, Says Walson-Jack
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has declared that Nigeria’s civil service is moving beyond isolated reforms into a unified and sustained transformation movement.
Speaking during her closing remarks at the 2025 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, Walson-Jack said the time had come for civil servants to lead change from within the system.
According to her, transformation must be purpose-driven and people-led—not just powered by policies or top-down mandates.
“This is our moment,” she stated. “Not just to modernise tools or tweak processes, but to spark a national movement. One that reaches every ministry, every officer, and ultimately, every citizen.”
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She described the two-day conference as a turning point, noting that it was filled with bold perspectives, shared innovations, and renewed energy.
Walson-Jack acknowledged the realities facing the system.
But she expressed hope, citing visible signs of change—digital tools like Service-Wise GPT, the launch of the Civil Service Online Academy, and greater collaboration across ministries and states.
“These signs tell us something vital: we are not standing still. We are shifting,” she said.
“But now, we must shift from isolated reforms to a sustained movement—driven by belief, fuelled by purpose, and grounded in a shared vision.”
She emphasized that transformation is not only technical but also cultural. She envisioned a service where innovation becomes routine, and continuous improvement is the norm—not the exception.
Walson-Jack challenged officers to act. “We must stop tweaking around the edges,” she said. “If we commit to a service that is faster, fairer, and fundamentally human, we will not just transform the Civil Service. We will transform the nation.”
