Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, Director, UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development, Singapore, Joe Hooper, (middle), flanked by State Heads of Service after the visit
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a landmark move aimed at modernising Nigeria’s civil service, a delegation led by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, visited the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development in Singapore.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Eno Olotu, the visit is part of a two-phase initiative designed to adopt best practices from Singapore’s esteemed public service model.
Walson-Jack emphasised the significance of collaboration during her address, stating: “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.”
She further articulated Nigeria’s commitment to public service excellence: “By working together, we can build a public service that is responsive, accountable, and dedicated to the welfare of our people.”
The delegation, comprising 20 Heads of State Civil Services from Nigeria, aims to establish a partnership between the Global Centre and Nigeria’s Public Service Institute. The collaboration will focus on enhancing training initiatives and exchanging innovative solutions.
Walson-Jack noted that learning from Singapore’s civil service—renowned for its efficiency and transparency—represents a “beacon of hope” for transforming Nigeria’s public sector.
Acknowledging Singapore’s achievements in public sector transformation, she expressed optimism about drawing inspiration from their successes: “The Nigerian delegation is eager to draw inspiration and insights from such successes to drive impactful changes in Nigeria’s civil service.”
The visit, she said, reflects Nigeria’s broader commitment to implementing reforms that enhance the effectiveness of its public service.
Walson-Jack thanked the UNDP in Nigeria for facilitating this significant engagement and praised Singapore for its warm reception. “This visit is not just about learning; it is about forging lasting partnerships that will lead to transformative advancements in policy implementation and service delivery,” she concluded.
As both nations work towards establishing this partnership, the collaboration promises to pave the way for a more efficient future for Nigeria’s civil service.