Head of service admonishes permanent secretaries to comply with reforms

Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation of Nigeria, has called for enhanced collaboration among Federal Permanent Secretaries to advance the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) for 2021-2025. Speaking at the inaugural retreat for Permanent Secretaries, Walson-Jack stressed that the FCSSIP is more than a mere document; it is a strategic plan designed to create a more efficient and citizen-centered public service.

Held from September 5th to 7th, 2024, in Zuba, Niger State, the retreat’s theme was “Accelerating Public Service Reforms Towards Effective Service Delivery.” In her keynote address, Walson-Jack highlighted the crucial role of Permanent Secretaries in bridging the gap between policy creation and execution. She urged them to align their efforts with FCSSIP-25 objectives to ensure effective implementation and uphold good governance principles.

Walson-Jack praised the Permanent Secretaries for their commitment to the values and standards of the service and reminded them of their role as custodians of institutional knowledge. She reassured them of her support in providing guidance, resources, and solutions to overcome challenges and meet civil service goals.

She emphasized the need for a cultural shift towards transparency, efficiency, and accountability within the civil service and encouraged the Permanent Secretaries to embody core values such as professionalism, loyalty, and meritocracy to guide their leadership.