By Hilary Asemota/Funmi Adams
In an anticipated move towards revolutionising Nigeria’s public service, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, is leading a high-powered delegation to the Senior Executive Leadership Programme in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from May 17th to 23rd, 2025.
This landmark programme, which is expected to be of great significance to Nigeria’s public sector transformation, is set to play a pivotal role in the country’s development.
The transformative initiative, a collaboration between the United Nations and the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office, is a critical component of Nigeria’s drive to modernise governance, enhance service delivery, and achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, promoting effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.
The involvement of these esteemed organisations underscores the credibility and potential impact of this initiative, instilling confidence in its success.
Aligned with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25) and the Renewed Hope Agenda, the programme is designed to equip Nigeria’s top public sector leaders with cutting-edge skills in Digital transformation for more innovative governance, Policy innovation to drive national development, and Adaptive leadership to navigate complex challenges.
The delegation will engage in high-impact experiential learning, strategic dialogues, and peer exchanges with over 15 UAE government entities, gaining insights into best practices that will accelerate Nigeria’s public sector reforms.
The Director, Information and Public Relations, at the Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Eno Olotu, said the programme is being facilitated by the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Chair of the UNSG, Amina Mohammed, to support SDG 16, adding that it is a major step towards advancing digitalisation across Nigeria’s Public Service.
The initiative, generously supported by the UAE Government, underscores a shared commitment to public sector excellence. The participation of Nigeria’s highest-ranking civil servants, including the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Federal Permanent Secretaries, and the Director-General of NITDA, is a testament to the nation’s dedication to building a future-ready civil service, inspiring hope for the future of the public sector.
This mission is more than a training programme; it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s governance architecture, ensuring that the Civil Service becomes a catalyst for innovation, efficiency, and national progress.
The outcomes will directly support the digitalisation of Nigeria’s public sector, reinforcing the FCSSIP 25’s vision of a world-class civil service.
This investment will lead to a more efficient and responsive public sector, better equipped to meet the needs of the Nigerian people, demonstrating a strong commitment to national progress, the statement added.
