HOS Didi Walson-Jack engages federal workers in Lagos, reaffirms commitment to civil service reforms

HOS Didi Walson-Jack engages federal workers in Lagos, reaffirms commitment to civil service reforms

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, has visited federal civil servants in Lagos as part of her nationwide engagement tour, reaffirming her commitment to the ongoing transformation of the public service.

The interactive session, hosted by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, brought together heads of ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as other senior civil servants in the state.

Walson-Jack said the visit was part of efforts to advance the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25), aimed at building a world-class, digitally-driven civil service.

“Civil servants are located across all states of Nigeria, and I began this tour last year. Lagos is the fifth state I am visiting,” she said.

“The visit allows me to interact with staff, understand their challenges, and identify issues that require attention.”

She revealed that the Federal Civil Service was undergoing a digital transformation designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.

“By December 31, 2025, the Federal Civil Service will go paperless,” she said.

“We have introduced several digital tools, including our AI-powered assistant called ServiceWise GPT, which is trained on key public service documents such as the 1999 Constitution, the Public Service Rules, and Financial Regulations, to support civil servants in their daily work.”

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To equip staff for this transition, she said the service had launched a Digital Literacy Webinar Series, a weekly online programme aimed at reorienting workers and building the digital mindset required for the civil service of the future.

Expressing nostalgia and appreciation during her visit, Walson-Jack described her return to Lagos as “delightful,” recalling her school days in the state and commending the dedication of federal workers.

“It is an honour to address you today. I visited the Federal Secretariat this morning and was saddened by its condition, but I assure you that we will push for its rehabilitation when we return to Abuja,” she said.

“You are the unsung heroes of governance—the engine room that keeps the machinery of government running despite challenges.”

In her remarks, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works, thanked Walson-Jack for her visionary leadership and concern for staff welfare.

“I admire your courage, confidence, and the care you have shown to us,” Kesha said. “This is a historic visit. In my 35 years in the civil service, we have not had such an engagement in Lagos. Your leadership inspires us to keep serving.”

Kesha also drew attention to the deteriorating condition of the Glass House Office Complex of the Federal Ministry of Works in Lagos, describing it as an aging 12-storey structure in urgent need of renovation.

Xzm“The building was constructed in 1980 and has seen better days. We have done our best to maintain it, but it now requires major intervention,” she appealed. “We hope you will help us attract the necessary support to restore it.”

Walson-Jack’s visit to Lagos marks another step in her ongoing nationwide engagement with federal civil servants, as the service pushes forward with reforms to modernize operations and strengthen institutional capacity across the country.

 

HOS Didi Walson-Jack engages federal workers in Lagos, reaffirms commitment to civil service reforms