In a significant move to modernize Nigeria’s civil service, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, unveiled an AI-driven assistant named Service-Wise GPT, aimed at boosting operational efficiency and enhancing decision-making among civil servants.
The launch took place during a dinner in Abuja held to honor 332 newly promoted directors. Addressing the gathering, Walson-Jack emphasized the critical role of these directors in driving civil service reforms and advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Congratulating the newly promoted directors, Walson-Jack described their elevation as a call to greater responsibility. She stated:
“Your promotion heralds the beginning of a more challenging and fulfilling chapter, where your influence and impact will shape the future of our civil service. You have reached a pinnacle that reflects not just your achievements, but the trust and expectations placed upon you by the Federal Civil Service and the nation.”
She urged the directors to embody the principles of good governance, transparency, efficiency, and accountability, calling on them to inspire confidence among their subordinates and stakeholders.
“Let your leadership foster collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning. Embrace this opportunity for growth and development, and reach new heights in your career,” she added, assuring the directors of her unwavering support.
The AI assistant launch was part of a broader celebration of Walson-Jack’s first 100 days in office under the theme, “Marching to Greatness: Celebrating 100 Days.”
She also unveiled two other groundbreaking initiatives:
GOVMail – A secure email platform to ensure seamless and secure communication for official purposes.
Nigeria Federal Civil Service Online Academy – A digital learning platform offering courses to enhance civil servants’ skills and capabilities.
Walson-Jack emphasized the importance of integrating technology into civil service operations, stating that these tools will ensure the service is responsive to citizens’ needs while enabling effective implementation of ongoing reforms.
In addition to the technological advancements, the HCSF introduced four key policies to strengthen civil service reforms:
Rewards and Recognition Policy and Guidelines
Incentives and Consequence Management Policy and Guidelines
Mentoring Framework
Protocol on the Use of Federal Government Secretariat
These policies align with the Public Service Rules 2021 and the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP-25). Walson-Jack stressed that they are designed to ensure coherence, sustainability, and measurable impact across the civil service.
As the civil service embraces these innovations and policies, Walson-Jack reaffirmed her commitment to creating a service that is efficient, accountable, and citizen-centered.
“The civil service must evolve to meet modern challenges,” she said, “and these initiatives will ensure that our reforms are technologically driven and aligned with global best practices.”
The launch of Service-Wise GPT and the accompanying reforms mark another milestone in the HCSF’s efforts to transform Nigeria’s civil service into a model of efficiency and innovation.