Abuja, May 28, 2026 — The Federal Government has intensified efforts to overhaul the civil service with a focus on modernisation, efficiency, and technology-driven governance aimed at improving public service delivery across the country.
The ongoing reform agenda was highlighted at the International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) 2026 held in Abuja, where policymakers, development partners, and governance experts from Africa and beyond reviewed strategies for strengthening institutions and improving service delivery outcomes.
Discussions at the conference centred on institutional reforms, digital transformation, and performance-based governance, with a shared emphasis on building a more responsive and accountable public service system.
Officials noted that Nigeria’s civil service has long faced challenges such as bureaucratic delays, reliance on manual processes, and coordination gaps among government institutions. However, participants observed that reforms currently underway signal a shift toward a more efficient, data-driven system.
The President, Bola Tinubu, represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, reaffirmed the administration’s push for a fully digitised, paperless public service.
He directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt electronic workflows to enhance transparency, speed up service delivery, and improve decision-making processes.
According to him, the transition is already in progress, with several MDAs operating secure digital systems, reflecting government efforts to improve efficiency and accountability.
He also disclosed that the ongoing Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis is nearing completion, a process expected to identify competency gaps and align workforce skills with modern governance demands.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said all 38 federal MDAs had already completed the transition to digital workflows ahead of the set deadline, describing the development as a major milestone in civil service reform.
She explained that the conference was aimed at showcasing measurable progress rather than only discussing reform ideas, adding that implementation remained central to governance success.
Walson-Jack also highlighted the growing role of technology in public administration, including the use of an artificial intelligence platform designed to support civil servants in accessing guidelines and procedures, which has recorded tens of thousands of engagements.
A recurring message at the conference was that policy reforms only become meaningful when institutions are strong enough to implement them effectively and translate them into tangible results for citizens.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasised that governance reforms often fail not at the policy stage but during implementation, due to weak institutional systems and poor coordination.
Officials stressed that citizens ultimately judge government performance based on service delivery in areas such as healthcare, identity management, taxation, and public utilities rather than policy announcements.
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, also called for stronger institutions globally, noting that effective public service systems are essential for achieving sustainable development goals.
She warned that global development targets are under pressure due to economic challenges, climate impacts, and rising inequality, urging governments to prioritise institutional strength and innovation.
Other participating countries shared experiences on digital governance reforms, with Ghana highlighting improvements in revenue generation and reduced corruption through the digitisation of public services. However, concerns were also raised about increased cybersecurity risks associated with digital systems.
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stressed the need to simplify government processes, arguing that excessive bureaucracy continues to hinder efficiency and service delivery.
He maintained that effective reform must be grounded in clear problem identification and practical solutions that improve outcomes for citizens.
The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, also advocated merit-based recruitment and promotion systems, noting that ongoing digital reforms in hiring and examinations are helping improve transparency in the civil service.
He, however, cautioned that sustainable reform requires adequate investment in personnel welfare, infrastructure, and institutional capacity.
Stakeholders at the conference agreed that beyond policy declarations, real reform depends on execution, accountability, and the ability of public institutions to deliver measurable results.
The event also featured a “Deal Room” designed to encourage partnerships and formal agreements among stakeholders, reflecting a stronger focus on practical implementation.
Overall, the conference underscored a growing consensus that the future of governance will be shaped by institutions that are digital, efficient, merit-driven, and capable of delivering consistent public value.
As Nigeria continues its civil service transformation, stakeholders stressed that success will ultimately be measured by how effectively reforms improve everyday services for citizens.