As part of her early strides in office, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, has successfully overseen the conclusion of consequential salary adjustment negotiations arising from the 2024 Minimum Wage Act. This milestone represents a key achievement in her first 100 days, underscoring her commitment to fostering harmony and efficiency within the civil service.
The committee, chaired by Mrs. Walson-Jack, was tasked with determining salary adjustments following the implementation of the new minimum wage of ₦70,000. The assignment, completed with remarkable speed and consensus, culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by representatives from both the Trade Union and Government sides.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Mrs. Walson-Jack commended the committee for their dedication and professionalism throughout the negotiations. “This exercise has been one of the shortest and most peaceful negotiations we have witnessed. Both sides worked diligently to reach a fair agreement, reflecting our shared commitment to the welfare of civil servants,” she noted.
Highlighting the cooperative spirit, she added, “Both the Trade Union and the Government sides have agreed on the consequential adjustments in salaries, and the signed MoU signifies the successful conclusion of our deliberations. Copies of the MoU will now be submitted to the Federal Government for further action.”
The National Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Benjamin Anthony, who represented the Trade Union, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, praising the HCSF’s leadership. “Mrs. Walson-Jack has been exemplary in her role as Chair of this committee. Her ability to guide discussions with fairness and professionalism has ensured that the interests of workers and the government were equally considered,” he remarked.
The swift and amicable resolution of this sensitive issue reflects the HCSF’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment within the civil service. It also underscores her focus on delivering results and strengthening trust between government institutions and their workforce.
This achievement adds to the growing list of initiatives spearheaded by Mrs. Walson-Jack, positioning her tenure as a transformative chapter for Nigeria’s civil service.