Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), says its new medium-term strategic plan will strengthen merit-based recruitment, deepen digital reforms and promote inclusivity in the federal civil service.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, said this on Monday in Abuja, at the FCSC Strategic Plan Stakeholders Validation Workshop.
He said the plan was designed to consolidate reform initiatives of the 10th Commission in line with the directive given to it at its inauguration on Dec. 13, 2023, by President Bola Tinubu.
Olaopa explained that the initial repositioning plan of the commission had gaps due to the absence of rigorous research, broad stakeholder engagement and a clear theory of change.
He said the new plan would provide evidence-based strategies, change management programmes and measurable projects to guide the commission’s transformation.
According to him, the strategy will focus on six areas: Strengthening the commission’s institutional independence, oversight and accountability, improving promotion examinations, structured interviews and digital recruitment platforms.
Others he said include linking career progression to performance indicators, citizen feedback and revised appraisal reports, expanding automated HR systems and digital transformation, embedding ethical frameworks, internal audit and whistle-blower protection.
According to him, in addition will be the deepening of merit-based implementation of federal character principles with inclusion of women and persons with disabilities.
“Dropping from these six strategic emphases and by way of a recap, there are lessons for the Service Commissions in Nigeria. There is the need to recover lost legal and operational independence.
“Like the UK and Canada, the FCSC requires a strengthened legal framework and operational autonomy to concretise public administration profession’s gatekeeping by shielding career management in the civil service from political interference.”
The FCSC chairman also said that the theory of change behind the strategy was that if meritocracy, inclusivity, ethical practices and digital reforms were fully implemented, the civil service would be re-positioned to restore professionalism, transparency and accountability.
He added that in the next three years, the commission would professionalise its secretariat, strengthen financial management, prioritise digitisation, and improve staff welfare and stakeholder engagement.
Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, represented by Mrs Deborah Odoh, commended the commission for involving stakeholders in the validation of the plan.
She said the plan was not only a roadmap for the commission but also a key enabler of the wider civil service reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The decision to engage stakeholders at this stage reflects a deep appreciation of the value of inclusiveness, collaboration, and shared ownership of reforms within the civil service.
“As we are all aware, the civil service remains the engine room for policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria.
“The commission’s strategic plan is therefore, not just a roadmap for the FCSC alone, but a key enabler of the broader federal civil service reform agenda as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” she said.
She assured that her office would continue to partner with the commission to ensure effective implementation of the reforms.
Earlier, Mr Philip Ndiomu, Permanent Secretary in the commission, said the workshop was aimed at repositioning the commission as a forward-thinking and performance-driven institution.
Ndiomu urged participants to contribute actively to the development of a roadmap that would align with national priorities and international best practices. (NAN)