The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) and Chairman of the National Council on Establishments (NCE), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, has emphasized that the NCE plays a crucial role in the effective implementation of government policies, underscoring its importance as an indispensable mechanism for the progress of the nation.
Speaking at the official opening of the NCE meeting in Ede, Osun State, Mrs. Walson-Jack reiterated the commitment of the Civil Service to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She highlighted the essential role of the Civil Service in planning, implementing, and monitoring government initiatives, stressing that its capacity to function effectively is vital for achieving national goals.
She also expressed her gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Senator (Dr.) Ademola J. Adeleke of Osun State, for hosting the NCE and for the warm hospitality extended to all participants. The HCSF affirmed her office’s continued support to State Heads of Service, emphasizing collaboration and partnership to enhance capability building and align efforts with shared goals and aspirations.
“This maiden edition of the NCE meeting reinforces that the unity and dedication of all Public Sector stakeholders are critical to the success of our reforms. Our collective efforts will ensure that the Civil Service evolves to serve the public more effectively and meets the expectations of Nigerians,” Walson-Jack stated.
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, welcomed the NCE participants, highlighting the critical role of the public service in driving his administration’s progress. He emphasized that worker and pensioner welfare remains a priority within his 5-Point Action Plan, and urged for productive deliberations that would advance national policies.
Senator Oluwole Cyril Fasuyi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishments and Public Service Matters, commended the Nigerian Civil Service for its vital contribution to governance, national unity, and growth.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary for Service Policies and Strategy in the Office of the HCSF, Dr. Deborah O.N. Odoh, thanked the Government and people of Osun State for their hospitality. She praised the dynamic leadership of the HCSF and the Heads of Service across Nigeria, commending their commitment to driving public service reforms.
The meeting, which was chaired by Mrs. Walson-Jack and attended by the Heads of Service from the 36 States and the FCT, was preceded by a technical session of Permanent Secretaries. A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting emphasized the importance of continued collaboration on best practices in public service, reaffirmed the role of the AMPLE values in restoring public confidence, and approved various reforms. These included the expansion of entry requirements for selected cadres, the integration of modern technology into administrative processes, the digitalization of COMPRO examinations, the extension of Occupational Hazard Allowance to Agricultural Professionals, and a comprehensive review of the Schemes of Service.
This strategic meeting underscores the National Council on Establishments’ role as a central body for ensuring that the Civil Service operates efficiently, contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.
