In a renewed push for economic transformation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mr. Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, has underscored the strategic role of the Federal Civil Service in driving Nigeria’s economic transformation and actualising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s target of a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
He emphasised the need for a capable, innovative, productive and results-driven workforce that can effectively translate government policies into tangible outcomes and sustainable national development.
Mr. Abel stated this at the 2026 Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries (CORFEPS) Week Colloquium and the unveiling of the CORFEPS Journal on Public Policy and Governance, held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at the Rotunda, Tafawa Balewa House, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja. The colloquium was themed “Navigating the Headwinds of Governance: Centrality of the Civil Service.”
The HCSF noted that prevailing economic uncertainties, fiscal pressures and technological disruptions underscore the need for strong institutions, professional competence and effective policy implementation. He stressed that the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda depends not only on sound government policies but also on the capacity of the Civil Service to provide objective advice, implement decisions efficiently and remain accountable to citizens.
He further stated that the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2026–2030 (FCSSIP30) would build on the achievements of FCSSIP25, with emphasis on digital transformation, simplified administrative processes and improved performance management. He noted that achieving these objectives would require a fundamental shift in mindsets, work ethics and institutional culture.
In his remarks, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Power and Infrastructure in the Office of the Vice President, Mr. Sadiq Wanka, noted that national aspirations could only be realised when institutions effectively translate government policies into results.
Vice- President Shettima commended CORFEPS for providing a platform for experience-sharing, policy reflection and institutional learning in support of Nigeria’s development.
Delivering the keynote address, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, CFR, highlighted the indispensable role of the Civil Service in ensuring administrative continuity, strengthening inter-institutional coordination and sustaining governance across successive administrations. He emphasised that good governance requires merit-based recruitment and career progression, stronger alignment between performance and promotion, objective, evidence-based advice and accountability for results.
Mr. Mustapha also commended CORFEPS for its contributions to public administration through policy advisories, research and publications, describing the experience of retired public servants as a valuable resource for governance and national development. He called for stronger collaboration between CORFEPS and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to promote mentorship, preserve institutional memory and support serving public servants.
The HCSF who earlier joined other dignitaries in unveiling the maiden publication described it as an important step towards documenting administrative experience, preserving institutional knowledge and promoting evidence-based policymaking.
He encouraged public servants, researchers and academics to contribute rigorous research and practical recommendations that address governance challenges, while congratulating CORFEPS on its commitment to professional development and the advancement of public administration.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of CORFEPS, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, highlighted the importance of sustained engagement among serving and retired public servants, noting that the wealth of experience accumulated by retired officers remains a valuable resource for addressing contemporary governance challenges.
He emphasised the need to preserve institutional memory, promote knowledge-sharing across generations and provide constructive policy insights to strengthen the Federal Civil Service. He applauded the unveiling of the CORFEPS Journal noting that it will serve as a platform for documenting administrative experiences and advancing informed policy discourse.
The event was attended by serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of the Civil Service of the Federation, including the immediate past HCSF, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, serving Permanent Secretaries, senior govenment officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
Mrs. Eno Olotu, FCAI, mnipr
Director, Press and Public Relations
28 October 2026
