The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, says the Federal Government is working diligently to address all pension-related challenges facing retirees nationwide.
Walson-Jack made this known on Friday in Abuja at the inaugural Quarterly Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Forum, organised by the Office of the HCSF. She said her office had held several meetings with pension administrators in a bid to find lasting solutions to the crisis in the pension sector.
“The forum is a testament to our commitment to an efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred civil service. Engaging our citizens and partners is not optional; it is imperative for national development,” she said.
According to her, the Federal Government remains committed to restoring public trust through direct engagement with stakeholders and citizens, which she described as “a powerful tool for transformation.” She noted that the reform process was being implemented under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), now in its final phase.
Walson-Jack acknowledged the contributions of civil society organisations, the media, and development partners in amplifying reform efforts and providing grassroots feedback.
The Head of Service of Enugu State, Mr. Godwin Anigbo, said the forum had provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing between the federal and state levels. “It has enabled us to compare notes on reforms and policies, and to take home actionable ideas to strengthen our state civil service,” he said.
The President of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Malam Ahmed Gobir, said the forum bridged the gap between policy and practice. “Without skilled, motivated and ethical personnel, no reform or policy can succeed. Stakeholder engagements like this keep people at the heart of policy execution,” he noted.
Representing the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Ms. Chioma Njoku reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to building a world-class civil service through leadership training, digital transformation, and collaboration between federal and state governments. She added that the foundation would continue to support the HCSF’s office with capacity-building programmes and technical assistance to ensure reforms deliver measurable results.
Also speaking, the Head of Service of Zamfara State, Alhaji Yakubu Haidara, conveyed the goodwill of Governor Dauda Lawal and the people of the state, pledging support for the ongoing federal and state civil service reforms. He commended Walson-Jack for her “tremendous achievements” since assuming office less than a year ago.
Similarly, Mr Bulus Ololo, representing the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries (CORFEPS), described the civil service as the “backbone, heartbeat and engine” of government. “Unless the civil service rises to its highest potential, the impact of government policies will not be felt. It is on you that this responsibility rests,” Ololo said.
