UK, Nigeria Team Up To Boost Civil Service Reform

Abuja, Nigeria –  The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, met with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, Friday to discuss expanding cooperation in civil service reforms.  The meeting aimed to enhance productivity and governance in both nations.

Walson-Jack expressed her gratitude for the continued partnership between Nigeria and the UK, highlighting the positive impact on strengthening governance structures and improving service delivery.

She described the High Commissioner’s visit as a significant milestone towards deeper collaboration between Nigeria, the UK, and other international partners.

“Your visit today presents an opportunity to solidify the discussions we had during my visit to the UK,” Walson-Jack said, referring to her recent engagement with the UK Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service.

A key area of mutual interest identified was Capability Building and Talent Management, the first pillar of Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP-25).

Walson-Jack proposed expanding this area through exchange programmes and study tours in collaboration with the UK Civil Service.

She also expressed interest in incorporating the UK’s Service Live Programme into Nigeria’s 2025 Civil Service Week, seeing it as a platform for professional development, networking, and capacity building across public service sectors.

Walson-Jack further outlined initiatives she has spearheaded since assuming office, including the reintroduction of the Federal Civil Service Anthem and the creation of “War Rooms” to accelerate the implementation of FCSSIP-25.

These efforts, she emphasized, are designed to foster innovation and creativity within the civil service.

Montgomery congratulated Walson-Jack on her appointment and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service reforms.

He stated that ongoing discussions would focus on aligning UK support with Nigeria’s priorities, particularly through the FCSSIP-25 “War Rooms.”

He highlighted the UK’s readiness to assist Nigeria in areas such as digital professionalisation and risk management, and expressed mutual interest in learning from Nigeria’s reform strategies.

“Both nations face similar challenges in enhancing Civil Service productivity, and collaboration would be beneficial in achieving shared objectives,” Montgomery noted.

The British High Commissioner assured of sustained support from the UK in advancing Nigeria’s Civil Service reforms and emphasised the importance of building a robust partnership to accelerate progress.