President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a far-reaching personnel audit and skills gap analysis within the Federal Civil Service as part of his administration’s commitment to revitalizing public sector performance and accountability.
The announcement was made during the inaugural International Civil Service Week 2025 in Abuja.
The initiative, according to the President, aims to ensure that the right people are placed in the right roles, fostering a high-performance culture that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.
He emphasized the indispensable role of civil servants in delivering effective governance, calling them the backbone of national stability, innovation, and public trust.
President Tinubu reaffirmed that the Civil Service is a central vehicle for delivering public goods and navigating Nigeria through economic and constitutional transitions.
He linked the reform agenda to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, a strategic framework designed to build a secure, prosperous, and inclusive nation.In line with the drive for institutional reform, the President also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply fully with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, highlighting the importance of accurate and secure data in driving sustainable development.
“Data is the new oil,” the President remarked, “but like oil, it gains value only when refined and used responsibly.”
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, represented by Esther Walson-Jack, echoed the President’s call for reform and innovation.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration at all levels, including with international development partners, to advance the nation’s civil service goals.
Walson-Jack stressed that insights from the week’s conference would drive a more digitally enabled and citizen-centric Civil Service.
She urged for the immediate integration of innovations discussed at the event into public service delivery frameworks.
“We are committed to excellence,” she said, “and to transforming Nigeria’s Civil Service into a beacon of hope and model for other nations through transparency, innovation, and results-driven leadership.”