Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, is a public servant of exceptional distinction and dedication, whose career has spanned more than three decades. Her journey through the Nigerian civil service, both at the state and federal levels, reflects an unwavering commitment to the principles of integrity, innovation, and reform. As the current Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Walson-Jack’s leadership continues to shape the future of public administration in Nigeria.
Born on August 27, 1966, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to parents from Tombia, Ekpetiama Clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, she has consistently demonstrated a drive to serve her community and country. Her early years laid the foundation for the distinguished career that would follow, beginning with her primary education at Rumukurushe Primary School, Shell Camp, and St. Paul’s Primary School, Diobu, all in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Her secondary education took her to Federal Government Girls’ College, Benin City, Edo State, and later, Federal Government College, Ilorin, Kwara State, where her leadership potential began to emerge.
Mrs. Walson-Jack went on to earn a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987. In addition to her legal qualifications, she is a Certified Legislative Drafter and a Conflict Resolution and Peace-Building Practitioner, which have contributed to her notable career in public administration.
A pioneering public servant in Bayelsa State
Her journey in public service began in 1992, when she was appointed as a State Counsel in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice. Four years later, in 1996, with the creation of Bayelsa State, she transferred her service there. As the only certified legal drafter in the newly created state, Mrs. Walson-Jack wore multiple hats, taking on the roles of Head of the Legal Drafting Department of the Ministry of Justice and Head of the Legal Department of the State House of Assembly, which she established. Her ability to navigate both the executive and legislative arms of the state government demonstrated her exceptional capacity for leadership and governance, despite the lack of human resources available in the fledgling state.
Her trajectory in Bayelsa State government was marked by numerous significant appointments. As Solicitor-General of Bayelsa State and later Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, she played a key role in strengthening the legal framework of the state. Her service extended further, with her appointments as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pioneer Commissioner of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Manpower Development, and Chief of Staff to the Governor. In each role, Mrs. Walson-Jack’s vision for public service excellence shone through, setting her apart as a dynamic and innovative leader.
The transition to the federal civil service**
In 2009, Mrs. Walson-Jack transitioned to the Federal Civil Service, joining as Assistant Director of Administration in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, with responsibilities for Appointment and Discipline. Her ascent was swift, and in 2017, she was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, marking a new chapter in her public service career. Over the years, she has served as Permanent Secretary in various ministries, including Power, Water Resources, Education, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, among others.
As Permanent Secretary, she was instrumental in leading several transformative initiatives. Most notably, she pioneered the Service Welfare Office and introduced the Rewards and Recognition System, which incentivized excellence among civil servants. Under her leadership, the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) Programme was revitalized, providing affordable housing solutions for civil servants. Her expertise in labor relations as **Chair of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council** helped to ensure industrial harmony across the civil service during her tenure.
A reformer at heart
Mrs. Walson-Jack’s reformist vision has been a driving force behind numerous policy developments at the federal level. She played a pivotal role in the Tripartite and Technical Committees on National Minimum Wage and Consequential Adjustments, contributing to the negotiation and implementation of a new wage structure for civil servants. Her efforts also extended to the Civil Service Exit Management Programme, which provided pre-retirement training, offboarding services, and post-retirement schemes, ensuring that retiring civil servants were well-prepared for life after public service.
Furthermore, she initiated the Public Service Emergency Management Framework, the Civil Service Welfare Policy, and the establishment of a Centralized Counseling Centre, all of which aimed to enhance the well-being and safety of civil servants. Her attention to marginalized groups was evident in the Baseline Survey of Persons with Disabilities and the development of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy, which ensured that the workplace remained inclusive and safe for all employees.
These groundbreaking initiatives have had a profound impact on the efficiency, transparency, and professionalism of the Nigerian Civil Service, earning her a reputation as one of the most effective reformers in public service today.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation
In July 2024, Mrs. Walson-Jack was appointed Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, a role that places her at the helm of the nation’s civil service structure. In this capacity, she serves as the chief policy adviser on all civil service matters, ensuring the smooth implementation of government policies and programs. Her leadership has been marked by a focus on modernizing the civil service, ensuring that it remains responsive to the needs of the Nigerian people, and driving forward the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Awards and recognition
Mrs. Walson-Jack’s contributions to public service have not gone unnoticed. She is a recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), one of the highest national honors in Nigeria, awarded for her outstanding service to the nation. Additionally, she is an alumna of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, where she further honed her leadership skills and strategic thinking capabilities.
Personal life and legacy
Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Walson-Jack is a devoted wife and mother. She has been married to Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack for over 35 years, and together they have raised two children and are proud grandparents. Her family life, marked by love, resilience, and faith, is a source of inspiration to those around her.
Mrs. Walson-Jack is also a published author, having written her autobiography, “Roses in the Thorns,” which tells the story of her remarkable journey and the triumph of faith over adversity. The book is a testament to her strength, resilience, and ability to rise above challenges, offering inspiration to women and public servants alike.
Conclusion
Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack embodies the essence of public service. Her career, spanning state and federal service, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the people of Nigeria. As Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, she continues to lead with vision, reforming and modernizing the civil service to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of public servants, and her impact on Nigerian governance will be felt for many years to come.