The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated two committees to oversee a comprehensive personnel audit and skills gap analysis across the civil service. According to Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the initiative aims to create a modern and efficient civil service, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The audit will assess the size, structure, and skills composition of the workforce, identifying competencies required for future service needs. A verified, digital personnel database will be established, linked to National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers, to eliminate ghost workers, correct inconsistencies in staff records, and provide an accurate workforce profile. The initiative will also identify skills gaps in critical areas such as information and communication technology, project management, public finance, and data analysis.

The exercise is designed to reposition the civil service for present and future challenges, rather than being punitive. It will strengthen training programs, enhance Human Resource Management systems, and achieve efficiency gains by blocking leakages and eliminating redundancies. The steering committee, chaired by Walson-Jack, will comprise key permanent secretaries, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and relevant consultants. The implementation committee, chaired by Dr. Danjuma Kalba, will handle methodology validation, data collection, compliance checks, and reporting.

Both committees have been charged to commence work immediately, with a emphasis on professionalism and integrity. The Steering Committee is expected to conclude its work within six months, while the Implementation Committee will deliver its report within four months. The initiative has been commended by Dr. Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies, as a step towards an efficient, productive, and accountable civil service. The move is seen as a bold reform aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at building a modern and efficient civil service.