The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has called for evidence-based reforms, stronger collaboration among governments and greater adoption of digital innovation to build a future-ready Public Service capable of driving Nigeria's development agenda.
Walson-Jack made the call while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments (NCE) held on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
She said the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda depends largely on the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of the Civil and Public Services at both the federal and state levels.
Describing the NCE as the apex policy-making body on Public Service structures, Schemes of Service and Conditions of Service in Nigeria, the HCSF urged participants to ensure that all decisions are guided by professionalism, patriotism and objectivity.
"Our decisions must be anchored on credible evidence and the overall interest of the Nigerian people," she said in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, on Friday.
Walson-Jack disclosed that the ongoing review of the Schemes of Service and requests for the creation of new professional cadres would be driven by findings from the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA).
According to her, the exercise will ensure that future establishment decisions are based on reliable workforce data, emerging institutional needs and the changing demands of the modern workplace.
She explained that PASGA is more than a digital verification exercise, noting that it is designed to identify workforce competencies, determine critical skills gaps and generate credible data to support training, deployment, workforce development and succession planning in the Public Service.
The HCSF also expressed appreciation to Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Rivers State Government for hosting the meeting and for the governor's participation in the opening ceremony.
Declaring the meeting open, Governor Fubara described the Public Service as the engine room of government and stressed the need for institutions to become more agile, digitally driven and accountable in responding to technological advancements and evolving workforce realities.
He commended Walson-Jack for what he described as her bold leadership and ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the Federal Civil Service, adding that Rivers State is studying some of the federal initiatives for possible adoption.
In her welcome address, the Head of Service of Rivers State, Dr. Inyingi Brown, said the gathering reflected a shared commitment by stakeholders to build a stronger, more responsive and globally competitive Public Service.
She noted that the meeting provides an opportunity for participants to develop forward-looking strategies that will strengthen Public Service administration across the country.
The 48th National Council on Establishments meeting is attended by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as other senior government officials.