‘Business as usual is over’ – Head of Civil Service Walson-Jack declares new era of innovation

Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, has sent a powerful message to the nation’s public sector: the era of “business as usual” is over.

Her declaration marks the dawn of a new phase focused on innovation, transformation, and aligning Nigeria’s civil service with global standards.

Walson-Jack made the bold statement during the opening ceremony of the maiden International Civil Service Conference held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Eagle Square in Abuja. The high-profile event attracted participants and delegates from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, underscoring its global relevance.

Describing the conference as more than just a gathering, Walson-Jack called it “a movement of renewal, creativity, and progress,” signaling the federal government’s commitment to revitalizing public administration.

In her keynote address, Walson-Jack delivered a passionate call to action, urging the civil service to “rejuvenate, innovate, and accelerate” in response to the demands of a fast-evolving 21st century. Her powerful speech received a standing ovation from an audience filled with reformers, technocrats, and global governance experts.

Walson-Jack highlighted critical reforms already in motion under her leadership, including:

* The implementation of a paperless Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) ;
* A Performance Management System that ties civil servants’ goals to national development priorities;
* The *restructuring of training institutions* to focus on digital competencies and future-readiness.

“These are not pilot ideas,” she affirmed. “These are active deliverables signaling the new spirit of transformation within our public service.” She stressed that change must become a culture, not a buzzword, and that Nigeria must embrace and meet global governance standards right at home.

Adding perspective, keynote speaker and governance expert Dr. Joe Abah warned that even the most visionary reforms will falter without firm political support. “If the politicians do not want the civil service to work, it won’t, no matter how visionary the leadership is,” he cautioned. He, however, hailed Walson-Jack’s reform drive as “bold, courageous, and future-oriented.”

The two-day international conference, hosted in partnership with the UK-based Global Government Forum, brings together delegates and speakers from countries including Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and Singapore. Topics on the agenda include:

* Artificial intelligence in governance
* Climate-responsive administration
* Citizen-centered public service design
* Agile leadership models

In a rousing appeal during her closing remarks, Walson-Jack turned to the younger generation of public servants:
“You are not the future of the civil service you are its present,” she declared. “Your creativity, energy, and courage will define whether we succeed or fail in this journey.”

As strategic sessions continue and new international collaborations are expected to follow, one message has been made loud and clear: Nigeria’s civil service has entered a bold new era one that demands excellence, integrity, and innovation.