By Dele Ogbodo
In what can be regarded as landmark and thought-provocative reform, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has constituted War Rooms strategists as according to her, this will serve as critical hubs for managing and monitoring the much needed implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP-25).
Walson-Jack, said the War Rooms will be dedicated to addressing each of the six pillars and crucial enablers of the reform plan, “intended to tackle the specific challenges associated with each pillar.”
She made the disclosure this at the recently concluded retreat with Federal Permanent Secretaries in Zuba, Niger State.
The Head, Information and Public Relations, at the Service, Mrs. Eno Olotu, while reinforcing the HoS overarching imperative, emphasized that the war rooms, which will be led by Permanent Secretaries will involve all key stakeholders to ensure swift and coordinated action.
According to her, the goal is to “win” these “wars” and bring the reforms to a successful conclusion for the benefit of both the Federal Civil Service and the Nigerian public.
In a move to kick-start the aggressive implementation of FCSSIP -25, the Federal Permanent Secretaries, reviewed the six pillars and enablers of the FCSSIP-25. In syndicated sessions coordinated by Dr. Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, the Permanent Secretaries proposed new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and activities to further enrich the plan’s content and ensure that initiatives align with the set targets.
The retreat participants also recognized the pressing need to centralize technology solutions to effectively drive the implementation of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) and Performance Management Systems (PMS) across the Public Service.
This urgent need according to them underscores the importance of swift and coordinated action. “Centralizing these systems is expected to streamline processes, ensure uniformity across all MDAs, and enhance overall efficiency and transparency in service delivery.”
The Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the OHCSF, Mrs. Fatima Mahmood, in her welcome remarks, described the retreat as a collective commitment to transforming the Nigerian public service into one defined by efficiency, innovation, and dedication to service delivery.
Mr. Raymond Omachi, Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, also appreciated participants’ robust discussions and unwavering commitment during the retreat.
The three-day retreat featured several thought-provoking presentations on creativity, innovation, service delivery, and the application of Artificial Intelligence to enhance efficiency and productivity. Additional sessions addressed vital topics such as the FCSSIP-25 pillars, Enterprise Content Management (ECM), digitalisation, and the Performance Management System (PMS). Attendees also participated in sessions on financial wellness, emotional intelligence, stress management and wellness.
