The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has formally closed the End-Term Review of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), describing the exercise as a significant milestone in charting the future of reforms aimed at building a more efficient, innovative, and citizen-focused Federal Civil Service.
Speaking at the closing session of the review held at the United Nations House Auditorium in Abuja on Wednesday, Mrs. Walson-Jack said the exercise provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to assess the implementation of FCSSIP25, identify successes and challenges, and develop actionable recommendations for the next reform cycle under FCSSIP 2026–2030.
"The review has enabled us to take stock of our progress, identify areas requiring further attention, and collectively shape a roadmap for the future of the Federal Civil Service," she stated.
According to the HCSF, deliberations during the two review sessions focused on the six strategic pillars of FCSSIP25: Capability Building and Talent Management, Performance Management System, Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System-Human Resource (IPPIS-HR), Innovation, Digitalisation, and Staff Welfare.
She noted that the review highlighted significant achievements in strengthening institutional capacity, advancing digital transformation, fostering innovation, improving human resource management systems, and enhancing staff welfare across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
"The findings confirm that substantial progress has been made in modernising the Federal Civil Service. However, reform is not a destination but a continuous journey that requires sustained commitment, stronger institutionalisation, effective monitoring and evaluation, and deeper digital transformation," Mrs. Walson-Jack said.
She emphasized the need to consolidate gains already recorded while addressing emerging challenges through robust performance management systems and greater investment in employee motivation and well-being.
The HCSF stressed that lessons learned from the implementation of FCSSIP25 would directly inform the priorities, strategies, and implementation framework of the upcoming FCSSIP 2026–2030.
Calling on Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments to sustain the reform momentum, Mrs. Walson-Jack urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, embrace innovation and digital technologies, promote knowledge sharing, and take ownership of the reform agenda.
"A modern, performance-driven, and digitally enabled Civil Service remains fundamental to effective governance and national development. We must continue to work together to build a service capable of delivering on government priorities and responding to the evolving needs and expectations of Nigerians," she added.
Mrs. Walson-Jack also expressed appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Permanent Secretaries, Directors, the FCSSIP Project Team, and other stakeholders for their support and contributions to the successful conduct of the review.
The review sessions were attended by Directors of Human Resource Management, Reform Coordination and Service Innovation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), IPPIS from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, as well as Directors from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The End-Term Review marks the conclusion of the Federal Government's five-year civil service reform strategy under FCSSIP25 and lays the foundation for the implementation of a new reform framework aimed at deepening efficiency, accountability, innovation, and service delivery across the Federal Civil Service.