The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Heads of Service from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming Nigeria’s public service through stronger collaboration, professionalism, innovation and institutional reforms.

The commitment was reinforced during a high-level dinner organised by the CIPM in honour of the HCSF, State Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries, and delegates who attended the 2026 International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, emphasised the need for participants to translate conference conversations and ideas into practical reforms across government institutions.

“As you return to your various states after this conference, please cascade the knowledge, insights, tools, and partnerships gained here. Let conversations become action, lessons become systems, and inspiration become measurable improvements in service delivery,” she said.

She described the dinner as more than a social gathering, noting that it provided an opportunity for collaboration, reflection, and relationship-building among key public-sector leaders.

Walson-Jack also commended the CIPM for its continued support for professionalism, capacity development, and institutional reforms within the Nigerian public service.

In his goodwill address, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, Ahmed Gobir, described the recognition recently granted to CIPM certification within the federal civil service as a landmark development for the human resources (HR) profession in Nigeria.

“This landmark recognition is not just a policy decision. It is a powerful statement that professionalism matters, competence matters and people management matters in nation-building,” he said.

Gobir commended Walson-Jack for what he described as visionary and people-focused leadership that has inspired renewed confidence across the public sector.

He also celebrated Heads of Service across the federation for their resilience and dedication to governance despite the challenges associated with public sector administration.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Mahmood, said Nigeria’s public service was at a defining moment that requires courageous leadership, institutional discipline and sustained collaboration.

According to her, the traditional bureaucratic culture can no longer sustain governance in a rapidly changing world driven by technology, an evolving workforce, and rising citizen expectations.

She, however, expressed optimism about the future of the Nigerian public service, citing the growing commitment among public servants to professionalism, innovation and accountability.

The dinner also featured the second edition of the CIPM Special Recognition Awards, instituted to promote HR professionalism and encourage strategic people management initiatives within the public sector.

Awards were presented for supporting CIPM membership drives in the Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, and
FCT civil services.

The recognitions were given to states and institutions that successfully hosted specialised CIPM induction ceremonies for civil servants during the year under review.