The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to reforming the civil service through increased citizen engagement and stakeholder collaboration, aiming to build a more efficient and transparent public sector. At the inaugural Quarterly Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Forum in Abuja, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), senior officials and partners outlined strategies to address systemic challenges while prioritizing accountability and service delivery.
Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, emphasized the federal government’s resolve to restore public trust through direct dialogue with citizens, calling such engagement “a powerful tool for transformation.” She highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve pension sector challenges through negotiations with administrators and noted that reforms are guided by the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), now entering its final phase. “This forum underscores our push for a citizen-centered civil service—one that is productive, incorruptible, and essential for national development,” she said.
The event drew participation from state officials, civil society groups, and development organizations, signaling a unified approach to governance reforms. Godwin Anigbo, Head of Service for Enugu State, described the forum as a platform to “compare notes” on policies and adopt actionable strategies to strengthen state-level civil services. Similarly, Ahmed Gobir of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria stressed the need for skilled and ethical personnel, stating, “No reform can succeed without motivated workers. Engagements like this ensure people remain central to policy execution.”
Non-governmental partners also pledged support for the reforms. Chioma Njoku, representing the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, reiterated commitments to leadership training, digital innovation, and cross-government collaboration. The foundation will provide technical assistance to ensure reforms yield measurable outcomes. Meanwhile, Zamfara State’s Head of Service, Yakubu Haidara, applauded federal initiatives, noting “tremendous achievements” under Dr. Yemi-Esan’s leadership, including improved efficiency and service delivery.
Retired civil service leaders underscored the sector’s foundational role. Bulus Ololo of the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries called the civil service the “backbone and engine of government,” urging sustained efforts to elevate its performance. “Without a robust civil service, policy impacts will remain limited,” he warned.
The forum marked a step toward bridging policy design and implementation, with participants emphasizing the need for continuous feedback from grassroots communities and intergovernmental cooperation. As Nigeria advances its reform agenda, stakeholders stressed that inclusivity and institutional capacity-building remain critical to achieving a public sector capable of meeting citizens’ evolving needs.
