Civil Service Reforms: Head of Service collaborates with CIPM

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has solicited more collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), to drive the implementation of the ongoing reform initiatives under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan, FCSSIP-25.

Mrs Walson-Jack stated this when the management of the Institute led by the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, paid her a working visit, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

While highlighting the importance of the reforms, the HCSF explained that the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation is determined to fast-track the implementation of the reforms and would cherish more collaboration and partnership with the Institution.

Walson-Jack identified the area of such collaboration with CIPM on the FCSSIP-25 plan pillar 1, which is on Capability Building and Talent Management, expressing optimism that the partnership with CIPM will help in achieving the pillar’s goal.

The HCSF informed the team about the establishment of War Rooms to address each of the six (6) pillars and enablers of the reform plan, adding that the war room is expected to tackle the challenges of each pillar and help to accelerate the reforms.

” The war room is the traction we want to bring to bear in accelerating the reforms”, she added.

While congratulating the HCSF for her well-deserved appointment, the President of the CIPM, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, stated that the Institute is committed to continuing its collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, given its importance to national development.

Mallam Gobir explained that one of such collaborations is the implementation of Performance Management System, which has been a landmark in modernising and streamlining the performance evaluation process in the service.

He added that CIPM is the apex body statutorily recognised for regulating the practice of Human Resource Management in Nigeria.

FCSSIP-25 Implementation

Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has inaugurated War Rooms for the six Pillars and Enablers of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP-25).

She stated that the aim was to fast-track the implementation process of the plan ahead of its expiration by December, 2025

“As we move towards the expiration of FCSSIP-25 by December 2025, it is extremely important for us to accelerate the implementation of the reform initiatives so as to ensure the achievement of the set targets”,

Mrs Walson-Jack, during the inauguration in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, noted that the establishment of the War Rooms is a step in the right direction as it will help in ensuring that the right attention is given to each of the Pillars in order  to achieve the strategic result of improving staff competencies and skills; improving productivity and HR administration; developing a performance based and meritocratic environment; having well-motivated officers and having an innovative, value-driven and digitally transformed Civil Service.

The Head of Service further explained that there must be concerted efforts to accelerate  the implementation process.

“It is to this end that we have decided to establish “War Rooms” for each of the six pillars of our Plan and its Enablers, underscoring the traction we seek to gain in the implementation of the Reforms.” she added.

 “a room where strategic decisions are made” and noted that the term War Room alludes to the speed “we want to bring to bear in accelerating the implementation of FCSSIP25”.

 “Our War Rooms will serve and operate as strategy and solution centres that will enable urgent attention to be paid to the various Pillars of the FCSSIP-25, ensure timely, accurate and well-coordinated implementation of the sub-initiatives through recommended activities and programmes that will be conducted Service-wide.” She explained

Walson-Jack also appreciated the Permanent Secretaries who will lead the teams and all the members who have accepted to serve in that capacity.

 “your presence is a testament of our shared vision, your expertise and dedication will be invaluable as we track progress and identify areas of improvement to make informed decisions ultimately contributing to the transformation of our Civil Service into a model of excellence.”

The Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office in the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Deborah Odoh, stated that the war room initiative is a robust  strategy that aligns with the vision of a world class civil service that contributes to National development.

She noted that the establishment of the war rooms is a crucial step in that direction.

“As we approach the culmination of FCSSIP-25, the HCSF has introduced measures to accelerate the implementation of the key initiatives under the six pillars of the plan.” she added.

The Director, Civil Service Transformation, Mr Mohammed Gaji, appreciated the Head of Service for her commitment towards repositioning the Civil Service for greater efficiency.

The Terms of Reference of the War Rooms are: Ascertaining the current status of the progress being made towards the 2025 targets; adopting the revised Key Performance Indicators agreed on at the September 2024 Retreat of the Head of Service with the Permanent Secretaries (Service-wide).

Others are; Identifying critical interventions necessary to accelerate the implementation of Reform initiatives and Mobilising required resources to enable achievement of set goals.