As Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, celebrates her first 100 days in office, the civil service is witnessing a paradigm shift. Her tenure has already sparked significant reforms and initiatives designed to address systemic inefficiencies, embrace innovation, and enhance service delivery.
With over 30 years of experience in public service, Walson-Jack has brought a wealth of expertise, a clear vision, and an unflinching commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s civil service for excellence.
A Leader Rooted in Service
Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack’s journey in public service reflects a lifetime of dedication to improving governance and public administration. Starting her career in 1994, she has risen through the ranks, demonstrating integrity, innovation, and an unwavering focus on reform. Her diverse experiences, including her role as Federal Permanent Secretary in various ministries, most recently in the Ministry of Education, have equipped her with the insight and leadership skills necessary to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s civil service.
Her appointment as HCSF on July 17, 2024, was met with widespread approval, symbolizing hope for a rejuvenated public sector. Taking over from her predecessor, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, a fellow reformist, Walson-Jack pledged to consolidate and advance ongoing reforms under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP-25).
A Vision for Transformation
Walson-Jack’s vision is firmly anchored in creating a civil service that is transparent, efficient, technologically advanced, and citizen-focused. This vision aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, underscoring her determination to integrate national goals into her reform initiatives.
A cornerstone of her strategy is the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP-25), which serves as a roadmap for comprehensive civil service transformation. Walson-Jack has emphasized the urgency of fast-tracking reform implementation, particularly as the plan nears its December 2025 conclusion.
In line with this, she recently inaugurated War Rooms for each of FCSSIP-25’s six strategic pillars and enablers. These War Rooms serve as operational hubs for formulating solutions, ensuring accelerated implementation of reform initiatives, and addressing systemic bottlenecks.
Speaking at the inauguration, she stated, “As we move towards the expiration of FCSSIP-25 by December 2025, it is extremely important for us to accelerate the implementation of the reform initiatives to ensure the achievement of the set targets.”
Key Achievements in 100 Days
Mrs. Walson-Jack’s tenure has been characterized by bold reforms and strategic initiatives that have set a strong foundation for future progress. Below are some of the standout accomplishments from her first 100 days:
- Re-introduction of the Civil Service Anthem
One of her symbolic yet impactful moves was the reintroduction of the Civil Service Anthem, aimed at fostering unity, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose among civil servants. The anthem underscores the values of efficiency, productivity, incorruptibility, and citizen-centered service.
“The anthem serves as a reminder of the values we uphold as civil servants,” Walson-Jack explained, emphasizing its role in inspiring excellence and commitment across the service.
- Digitalization of Civil Service Processes
Under her leadership, the civil service has embraced technology like never before. A key milestone was the digitization of the Combined Confirmation and Promotion Examination (Compro), where over 13,000 civil servants participated in a computer-based test (CBT) supervised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
This initiative ensures transparency, efficiency, and fairness in assessing civil servants while encouraging them to embrace digital tools. In addition, her administration has rolled out ICT training programs to equip civil servants with the skills needed for a digitalized work environment.
- Establishment of War Rooms for FCSSIP-25
The establishment of War Rooms is one of the most strategic moves of Walson-Jack’s tenure. These hubs are designed to drive urgency and focus on the implementation of the six pillars of FCSSIP-25.
She described them as, “strategy and solution centers that will ensure timely, accurate, and well-coordinated implementation of sub-initiatives through recommended activities and programs.”
These War Rooms address critical areas such as digital innovation, performance-based culture, improved HR administration, and staff motivation, ensuring that the civil service achieves its transformation goals by 2025.
- Successful Salary Adjustment Negotiations
One of the major achievements of Walson-Jack’s early tenure was the successful conclusion of negotiations on consequential salary adjustments following the implementation of the 2024 Minimum Wage Act.
Her leadership ensured a swift and amicable resolution, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between government and labor representatives. This milestone highlights her commitment to civil servant welfare and harmonious labor relations.
- Strengthening International Partnerships
Walson-Jack has prioritized global collaboration, engaging with international partners like the British government to enhance capacity building, knowledge exchange, and talent management within the civil service.
During a meeting with the British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, she explored avenues for incorporating global best practices into Nigeria’s civil service. Notable among these initiatives is the proposed integration of the UK’s Service Live Programme during Nigeria’s 2025 Civil Service Week.
A People-Centered Approach
Walson-Jack’s leadership style is consultative and inclusive, focusing on the well-being of civil servants. Through town hall meetings and open dialogues, she has addressed concerns related to staff morale, professional development, and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
She has called for a culture of recognition and rewards to motivate civil servants and foster a performance-driven environment. Her emphasis on innovation and collaboration underscores her commitment to creating a workplace where public servants feel valued and inspired to deliver their best.
Challenges Ahead
While significant progress has been made, challenges such as corruption, inefficiency, and resource limitations persist. Addressing these issues will require sustained effort, strategic innovation, and collaboration across all levels of government.
A Legacy of Reform
Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack’s first 100 days in office have set the tone for a transformative tenure. Her bold decisions, focus on technology, and commitment to transparency are reshaping Nigeria’s civil service into a model of excellence.
In her own words: “The civil service is the backbone of our government, and it is our duty to ensure it is efficient, transparent, and accountable to the Nigerian people. Together, we will achieve greatness.”
As she builds on these early achievements, Walson-Jack’s leadership promises a brighter, more efficient, and people-centered civil service that will stand as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s governance and development.
By: Ebere Ndukwu