In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties and advancing Civil Service reforms, the Heads of the Civil Services of Nigeria and the United Kingdom have agreed to collaborate on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and reform strategies.
This development was announced in a statement issued by Eno Olotu, Head of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting between the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation of Nigeria, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, and the UK Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, Rt. Hon. Simon Case. The meeting, held at the UK Cabinet Office in London, focused on leveraging expertise and insights to enhance Nigeria’s ongoing reforms under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021-2025.
Strategic focus areas
The dialogue centered on critical areas such as capacity building, knowledge management, and improving Nigeria’s Civil Service Week activities. Drawing inspiration from the UK’s renowned “Civil Service Live” conference, the partnership aims to enrich Nigeria’s celebration of its Civil Service Week with new ideas and models.
Both nations also committed to exploring exchange programmes and study tours to foster mutual learning. The UK pledged to provide insights into its Civil Service development practices, while also valuing the opportunity to learn from Nigeria’s reform experiences.
Building a world-class civil service
Mrs. Walson-Jack expressed her optimism about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership underscores our commitment to building a world-class Civil Service that is responsive, efficient, and equipped to meet the demands of modern governance.”
Rt. Hon. Simon Case lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of mutual learning in addressing global challenges in public administration. He added, “The UK Civil Service looks forward to working closely with our Nigerian counterparts to exchange ideas and best practices that will benefit both nations.”
A commitment to reform and progress
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of both countries to developing efficient Civil Services capable of delivering excellence in governance. The collaborative efforts, supported by exchange programmes and joint initiatives, will strengthen ties and accelerate the realization of reform goals.
As both Civil Services work towards fostering innovation and responsiveness, the partnership is expected to create a lasting impact, contributing to the transformation of public sector operations in Nigeria and setting the stage for deeper collaboration in the years to come.