By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has received significant support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a landmark Study Tour to Singapore by the Heads of Civil Service of Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
This is a testament to the robust collaboration between Nigeria and International Development Partners, and is scheduled to take place from January 23-26, 2025.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director, Information and Public Relations, it was revealed, that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, will lead 20 Heads of Service in the first phase of a two-part initiative designed to enhance Nigeria’s civil service by leveraging the globally renowned Singapore public service model and adapt them to Nigeria’s civil service, thereby improving its efficiency and accountability.
Speaking on the objectives and expected benefits of the study tour, the Head of the Civil Service said it was a concerted effort to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda by building capacity, strengthening the collaboration between the Federal and State Civil Services, and consolidating the full implementation of the reform initiatives of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25).
Mrs. Walson-Jack emphasised that the tour demonstrates the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to reforming and modernising the public service, drawing from international best practices.
She pointed out that the study tour is driven by the commitment to strengthening public service reforms, promoting Digital transformation and innovation, building capacity for effective policy formulation and implementation, fostering Public-Private Partnerships, and enhancing the collaboration between Federal and State civil dervices.
The three-day tour will give the delegation first-hand exposure to Singapore’s governance structures, resource management, and operational strategies.
Crucial institutions to be visited include the Public Service Division, the Civil Service College, the UNDP-supported Global Centre for Public Service Excellence, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
Other relevant institutions to be visited are the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO), Economic Development Board (EDB), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Skills Future Singapore, Strategy Group, and Open Government Projects (OGP).
The study tour underscores the federal government’s unwavering commitment to advancing governance and institutional reforms in line with global best practices and promises a brighter future for Nigeria’s civil service.
