The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, has called on public servants across the country to renew their commitment to building an efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred public service capable of delivering tangible results to Nigerians.
Mrs. Walson-Jack made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the Nigeria Public Service Lecture Series organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in commemoration of the United Nations Public Service Day, held on Tuesday at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
The HCSF said the annual observance serves as a reminder that public service goes beyond employment, describing it as a call to serve citizens, strengthen institutions, solve societal challenges and improve lives.
She commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, for his leadership and unwavering support for reforms across the public service, noting that his remarks underscored the central role of the service in translating government policies into visible outcomes for citizens.
Mrs. Walson-Jack also lauded the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, for sustaining the lecture series and providing a platform for reflection, learning and reform dialogue.
According to her, increasing public expectations for faster, more transparent and quality service make it imperative for the public service to continually embrace reforms, innovation and accountability.
She disclosed that reforms being implemented across Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies cover key areas such as digitalisation, performance management, capacity development, innovation, staff welfare and service delivery.
“These reforms are not ends in themselves. They are meant to ensure that citizens feel the impact of government in practical and meaningful ways,” she stated.
The HCSF stressed that citizens experience government through the conduct and efficiency of public servants, including the speed of responses, quality of decisions, transparency of processes and overall results delivered.
Describing the lecture series as timely, she urged participants to see the event as an opportunity to reflect on the future of public service and the responsibilities associated with reform.
“Let this not be another event where we listen, clap, take photographs and return to business as usual. Let it be a moment of renewed commitment to do things better in our offices, departments, Ministries and agencies,” she said.
Mrs. Walson-Jack congratulated the BPSR for sustaining the initiative and commended public servants and reform champions for their dedication to strengthening governance and service delivery in Nigeria.
She added that the true honour of public service lies in the lives touched, the systems improved and the legacy left behind.
The event formed part of activities marking the 2026 United Nations Public Service Day and brought together senior government officials, public servants and stakeholders to deliberate on the future of governance and public sector reforms in Nigeria.
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Aliyu Umar, FNIR
Head, Strategic Communications
24th June, 2024.
