In a major step toward transforming the Nigerian public service, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has announced the establishment of dedicated War Rooms. These will serve as critical hubs to monitor and manage the execution of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP-25).The War Rooms will focus on addressing the six pillars of the FCSSIP-25, with the aim of overcoming the unique challenges tied to each pillar. Mrs. Walson-Jack revealed this during a recently concluded retreat with the Federal Permanent Secretaries in Zuba, Niger State.According to Mrs. Walson-Jack, the War Rooms will be led by Permanent Secretaries and will engage all key stakeholders to ensure swift and coordinated action. The objective is to "win" these battles and successfully complete the reforms for the benefit of the Federal Civil Service and the Nigerian public.
Reviewing Key Pillars for Aggressive Implementation
As part of the effort to kickstart the aggressive implementation of the FCSSIP-25, the Federal Permanent Secretaries conducted a detailed review of the six key pillars and enablers of the reform plan. The sessions, coordinated by Dr. Deborah Bako Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the Service Policies and Strategies Office, involved proposing new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and activities to further enrich the plan and ensure alignment with set targets.A key takeaway from the retreat was the urgent need to centralize technology solutions. This was emphasized as a vital step toward implementing the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) and Performance Management Systems (PMS) across the public service. Centralizing these systems is expected to streamline processes, ensure uniformity across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and improve overall efficiency and transparency in service delivery.
A Commitment to Innovation and Service Delivery
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood, Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, emphasized that the retreat showcased a collective commitment to transforming the Nigerian public service. The vision is to create a system defined by efficiency, innovation, and a dedication to service delivery.Mr. Raymond Omachi, Permanent Secretary of the Common Services Office, also praised the participants for their robust discussions and dedication throughout the retreat.The three-day event featured several thought-provoking presentations that explored creativity, innovation, and service delivery. There was a particular focus on how the integration of Artificial Intelligence could be leveraged to enhance efficiency and productivity in the public service.The establishment of these War Rooms and the outcomes of the retreat mark a significant move toward achieving the objectives of the FCSSIP-25, ensuring that the Nigerian public service is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the nation.
