Walson-Jack Challenges Media to Interrogate Civil Service Reforms
The outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has challenged journalists to go beyond reporting official statements by asking difficult questions and holding public institutions accountable.
Walson-Jack made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a special interactive session with media correspondents and editors at the Obasanjo Hall of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
She commended the media for what she described as fair, balanced and objective coverage of the activities, policies, programmes and reform initiatives of the OHCSF over the past two years of her tenure.
According to her, media reports, features, interviews and analyses have helped to take the Civil Service reform story beyond the walls of the OHCSF and enable Nigerians to better understand the changes taking place within the Service.
She noted that the media had extensively covered several engagements of the Office, including the Meet and Greet with the Media, World Press Conferences on the International Civil Service Conference in 2025 and 2026, the Press Conference on the Paperless Civil Service and the briefing on her first 100 days in office.
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“Of course, the responsibility of the media goes beyond reporting events or repeating official statements. You must ask difficult questions, seek clarification, interrogate issues and hold public institutions accountable,” she said.
The HCSF said constructive criticism and informed scrutiny were essential to building strong institutions, adding that honest engagement between the media and government agencies could help institutions reflect and improve.
She urged journalists to sustain responsible, factual, balanced and constructive reporting as the Federal Civil Service continues its reform, renewal and transformation agenda.
Walson-Jack also urged the media to report the achievements of the Service truthfully, interrogate its challenges fairly and help Nigerians understand the role of a professional, efficient, productive, ethical, incorruptible and citizen-centred public service.
“The Civil Service reform story is still unfolding, and you are an important part of that story. There will be more milestones to celebrate, challenges to overcome and lessons to share. Please continue to tell the story with accuracy, fairness and depth,” she said.
As she approaches the end of her tenure, Walson-Jack expressed appreciation for the partnership between the OHCSF and the media, saying she was confident that the relationship would continue under her successors.
She urged journalists to maintain their watchdog role and contribute to improving the Federal Civil Service through rigorous and responsible reporting.
“Please keep asking the important questions. Keep telling the full story. Keep holding the Federal Civil Service to the highest standards,” Walson-Jack said.
