The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, has assured civil servants that the ongoing Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA) is not intended to retrench workers but to strengthen data integrity and improve efficiency in the Federal Civil Service.
Walson-Jack made the clarification on Thursday in Abuja during a sensitisation session for Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and consultants on the PASGA project, organised by her office.
She explained that the initiative aims to provide accurate and up-to-date personnel data to reposition the Service for better performance and evidence-based decision-making.
Speaking through Dr. Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies Office, Walson-Jack said the project was designed to align staff competencies with the operational needs of ministries, departments, and agencies.
“The unique thing about this exercise is that it is not just a personnel audit but also a skills gap analysis,” she said. “Over the years, the Service has struggled with fragmented and outdated personnel information, leading to inefficiencies and misalignments.”
According to her, the audit will provide accurate staff records, identify skill shortages, and inform targeted training and redeployment based on the evolving needs of government.
“With this initiative, we will reposition and build capacity across the Service,” she added.
She noted that digital literacy training had already begun in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to enhance staff efficiency.
“Eventually, there will be no need for downsizing; instead, we will redeploy and upskill staff for improved performance,” she said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, Dr. Danjuma Kalba, described PASGA as a major step towards achieving an efficient, accountable, and technology-driven civil service.
He said the project aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP25), which focuses on digitisation, talent management, and organisational efficiency.
“As the coordinating ministry and seat of the number one civil servant in Nigeria, the Office of the HCSF remains committed to driving transformative reforms that uphold professionalism and service excellence,” Kalba stated.
Similarly, Mr. Ayo Muritala, Senior Managing Partnerat Knewrow Performance Engineering, one of the project consultants, said PASGA, also known as Project Phoenix, symbolises renewal and rebirth within the Federal Civil Service.
“This is more than an audit or data exercise,” Muritala explained. “It is a strategic reform instrument designed to help the government understand the people who power the public service. It is about data, but beyond data, it is about identity, capability, and national performance.”
