Comrade Benjamin Anthony, the National Chairman of the National Joint Public Service Negotiating Council of Nigeria, has commended Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), for her leadership and reforms within her first 100 days in office.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent at an event in Abuja on Monday themed “Marching to Greatness: Celebrating HCSF’s 100 Days in Office,” Anthony expressed optimism about Walson-Jack’s capacity to improve civil service operations in Nigeria.
Anthony described Walson-Jack as a familiar and trusted partner, citing their previous collaboration during her tenure as a permanent secretary.
“When she was a permanent secretary, we worked together and saw new innovations in her. We worked peacefully before she was transferred out of the office of the Head of Service of the Federation,” he recalled.
He noted that Walson-Jack’s return to lead the civil service was a welcome development.
“Coming back as the Head of Service of the Federation is something we are glad about. We know her, we know what she can do, and we believe that working with her, she’s going to improve the welfare of the general workers,” Anthony said.
Anthony affirmed the council’s full support for Walson-Jack’s initiatives, highlighting her focus on worker welfare, innovation, and modernizing the civil service.
“As far as we are concerned, for now, our support for her is 100 percent. Going through this program from Wednesday to today, you can see clear new innovations that will transform the service in Nigeria—not only at the federal level but also at the sub-national level.”
He emphasized the need for reforms in staff welfare, motivation, digitalization, and professional development.
“The service has been static for a very long time. Now, we are moving to another new phase. I believe what she’s doing now will greatly improve the service,” he said.
Anthony highlighted the importance of digitalization to enhance efficiency and flexibility within the civil service.
“Truly, the service needs to work seriously to digitalize. This will make the work easier, and workers can even be at home and do more,” he stated.
He also stressed the need for comprehensive training programs.
“Training and retraining are very important. The service has been training, but to us in the labor movement, it is not sufficient. We should get professional bodies to train the workers, and I believe that things are going to work,” Anthony concluded.
The event celebrated Walson-Jack’s achievements and provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss future improvements in civil service delivery.