HCSF, CIPM reaffirm commitment to modernising public service

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), state Heads of Service, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming Nigeria’s public service through stronger collaboration, professionalism, innovation, and institutional reforms. The renewed commitment was highlighted during a high-level dinner organised by the institute in […]

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), state Heads of Service, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming Nigeria’s public service through stronger collaboration, professionalism, innovation, and institutional reforms.

The renewed commitment was highlighted during a high-level dinner organised by the institute in honour of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, state Heads of Service, permanent secretaries, and delegates attending the 2026 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, urged participants to translate ideas and conversations from the conference into practical reforms across government institutions.

“As you return to your various states after this conference, please cascade the knowledge, insights, tools, and partnerships gained here,” she said, according to a statement.

“Let conversations become action, lessons become systems, and inspiration become measurable improvements in service delivery,” she said.

She described the dinner as more than a social gathering, noting that it created opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and relationship building among key public sector leaders.

“Some of the best reform ideas do not always come from formal sessions. Sometimes they emerge beside a dinner table, during a warm handshake, or in a conversation that begins with, ‘How are you handling this in your state or ministry?’” she added.

Walson-Jack also commended the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria for its sustained support for professionalism, capacity development, and institutional reforms within the Nigerian public service.

In his goodwill messge, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Ahmed Ladan Gobir, described the recent recognition of CIPM certification within the Federal Civil Service as a major milestone for the human resources profession in Nigeria.

“This landmark recognition is not just a policy decision. It is a powerful statement that professionalism matters, competence matters, and people management matters in nation-building,” he stated.

Gobir commended Mrs. Walson-Jack for what he described as visionary and people-focused leadership that has inspired renewed confidence across the public sector.

He also praised Heads of Service across the federation for their resilience and commitment to governance despite the challenges confronting public sector administration.

The CIPM president further announced that the institute’s 58th International Conference and Exhibition would hold in Abuja from September 21 to 24, 2026, under the theme, “Repositioning for Value and Impact.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Mahmood, said Nigeria’s public service was at a defining moment requiring courageous leadership, institutional discipline, and sustained collaboration.

“Every nation is ultimately governed by the quality of its institutions, and every institution rises or falls on the strength of its public service,” she said.

According to her, the traditional bureaucratic culture can no longer sustain governance in a rapidly changing world shaped by technology, evolving workforce demographics, and rising citizen expectations.

“The civil service can no longer afford to move at the speed of yesterday in a world already operating in tomorrow,” Mahmood added.

She, however, expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s public service, citing growing commitment among public servants to professionalism, innovation, and accountability.

The dinner also featured the second edition of the CIPM Special Recognition Awards, instituted to promote HR professionalism and encourage strategic people management initiatives within the public sector.

Awards were presented for supporting CIPM membership drives in Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory civil services, while recognitions were also given to institutions that hosted specialised CIPM induction ceremonies for civil servants during the year under review.