By Dele Ogbodo
In what is referred to as historical landmark in the advancement of civil service transformation in Nigeria and Singapore, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to global public service excellence.
Walson-Jack, while acknowledging the Singapore’s achievements in public sector transformation, noted that the Nigerian delegation is interested and eager to draw inspiration and insights from Singapore’s successes to drive impactful changes in Nigeria’s Civil Service.
She made the disclosure during a recent visit by the Nigerian delegation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development in Singapore.
The visit was a significant opportunity for the delegation to draw insights and best practices in advancing civil service transformation.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Walson-Jack highlighted the critical importance of collaboration in advancing public service development in Nigeria.
The Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, quoted the Head of Service in a statement as underscoring the eagerness to learn from Singapore’s exemplary civil service, renowned worldwide for its efficiency, transparency, and innovation.
The visit is acknowledged as marking a significant milestone in strengthening ties between the Civil Service of Nigeria and Singapore, the Spokesperson added.
“Both nations aim to establish a partnership between the Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development and the Public Service Institute of Nigeria.
“This collaboration will focus on joint training programmes, collaborative research, and sharing innovative solutions.
“According to Walson-Jack, this represents a beacon of hope for transforming Nigeria’s civil service into a model of professionalism, efficiency, and responsiveness.
“We look forward to joint training programmes, collaborative research, and sharing innovative solutions that will empower our civil servants with the knowledge and tools they need to excel.
By working together, we can build a public service that is responsive, accountable, and dedicated to the welfare of our people and serves as a model for the continent.” she stated.
Walson-Jack, further acknowledged Singapore’s achievements in public sector transformation, noting that the Nigerian delegation is interested and eager to draw inspiration and insights from Singapore’s successes to drive impactful changes in Nigeria’s Civil Service.
The Head of the Civil Service also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the UNDP in Nigeria for organising the visit.
She commended the Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development in Singapore, a key partner in this collaboration, for its warm reception and outstanding hospitality.
The delegation’s visit reflects Nigeria’s commitment to implementing reforms and building partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of its public service.
The collaboration is expected to pave the way for transformative advancements in training, policy implementation, and service delivery, promising a brighter and more efficient future for Nigeria’s Civil Service.
The Nigerian delegation, comprising 20 Heads of State Civil Services, is the first batch in the first phase of a two-part initiative designed to enhance Nigeria’s Civil Service by leveraging the globally renowned Singapore Public Service model in line with 21st-century expectations.
