By OKON OKON

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, says the Civil Service across Africa is at critical crossroads because of inherited systems which are no longer adequate for present-day realities.

Walson-Jack made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at the maiden edition of the International Conference on Civil Service Reform, with the theme: “Rejuvenate, Innovate and Accelerate.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference is part of activities lined-up for the 2025 Civil Service Week.

NAN also reports that the conference brought together key stakeholders, including foreign delegates, past and present permanent secretaries, former heads of service, and heads of service from the 36 states of the federation.

Walson-Jack said bureaucracy should not equate stagnation, adding that policy development, service delivery, and digital technology must be optimised to meet rising citizens’ expectations.

“Our civil service must be renewed in spirit, skills, and structure. We must attract young talents, empower women and marginalised groups, and restore public trust through values-based service.

“The time for action is now. The climate is changing, resources are shrinking, and citizens are waiting,” she said.

The HCSF emphasised the importance of collaboration among civil service leaders, reform champions, policy makers, the private sector, and international development partners in addressing the challenges.

She noted that the conference provided a platform to showcase successful models, such as Morocco’s integrated digital identity system and other global best practices in public sector reform.

She disclosed that the Nigerian civil service is undergoing rejuvenation to effectively tackle the challenges of the 21st century.

She highlighted reforms already underway, including the automation of government processes and the transition to a paperless service through an enterprise content management system.

According to her, the implementation of a performance management system linking individual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to national goals is a key milestone in service delivery improvement.

She also identified the ongoing capacity-building efforts through the Public Service Institute of Nigeria and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.

She said the conference came at a critical moment in the implementation of Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021–2025),” she said.

Addressing young professionals in the public sector, Walson-Jack said, “you are not just the future of public service; you are its present.

“Your creativity and conviction will determine the success of our transformation agenda.”

She concluded by thanking the sponsors and partners of the conference, urging participants to leave with a renewed commitment to drive change in the civil service.

“The civil service is not a relic of the past. It is the engine of our future and that engine must be rebuilt with bold ideas and inclusive purpose,” she added. (NAN)