Civil Service: PBAT Directs Personnel Audit, Skills Gap Analysis

President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis to enhance the capacity and reposition the Federal Civil Service for global competitiveness.

The President gave the directive while declaring open the maiden edition of the International Civil Service Conference in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate!”, reflects a collective drive to reform the Civil Service in line with the rapidly evolving demands of technology and innovation.

President Tinubu emphasised that the audit and skills gap analysis are essential to transform the Civil Service into a dynamic, ethical, digital, and globally competitive institution.

He called on all relevant stakeholders to prioritise the timely execution of the audit, noting that the outcome would form the basis for implementing targeted reforms to create a more agile and responsive Civil Service.

President Tinubu also urged public servants to return to their institutions with renewed determination, embrace innovation, and fast-track the implementation of impactful policies and services that directly benefit Nigerians.

He said, “as we unite under the shared ideals of service excellence, we commit to forging partnerships that transcend national boundaries, harness technology for the greater good, and elevate the civil Service as a beacon of hope and progress for all nations.”

In her remarks, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, who noted that the conference was inspired by shared global experiences, highlighted existing innovations within the service and reiterated its central role in implementing government policies.

According to Didi Walson-Jack, “We have inherited a proud legacy. But we must also confront an honest reality: some of our systems are outdated. Our processes are slow. Our citizens are frustrated. And the pace of change in the world around us demands more than we’ve given. The digital age requires not only speed, but also agility; not
only compliance, but also creativity. Still, we are not without hope.”

She added further: “Imagine a Service where leadership emerges at every level. Where
performance is not just measured in reports, but also in public trust. Where a young officer doesn’t have to wait decades to make a difference, that is why platforms like the Aspire Stage are so important they show us that potential is everywhere, and when we give people room to shine, they often exceed our expectations.”

In their goodwill messages, Head of the United Kingdom Civil Service, Lord Gus O’Donnell and Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. David Archer, urged the Nigerian Civil Service to seize opportunities in digital technology and Artificial Intelligence to drive rejuvenation.

Also speaking, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo challenged leaders to win the confidence of public servants through prioritizing planning, research, and capacity building.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji