Nigeria has begun the process of reviewing obsolete policies and formulating new ones that will drive growth and development.
This decisive step to strengthen governance and public service delivery, according to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Esther Didi Walson-Jack, is part of a broader drive to build a public sector capable of leading reform and laying the groundwork for better governance, stronger institutions, and improved service delivery.
Speaking at the launch of the second edition of the Civil Service Directors Training Programme — focused on Effective Policy Writing and Review — the HCSF, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office (CMO), Dr. Fatima Mahmood, said the programme addresses one of the most pressing challenges in Nigeria’s governance structure.
Dr. Mahmood emphasised the importance of continuous capacity building as the foundation for effective service delivery.
“The Head of the Civil Service has placed a premium on capacity building under the first pillar of FCSSIP 25 — Capability Building and Talent Management.
“Without skilled personnel, the service cannot meet the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President or deliver meaningful change to the Nig erian people,”she stated.
She explained that while resources are limited, the strategy of “cascading training” ensures broader impact. Directors are expected to return to their ministries and train their teams, thereby promoting knowledge transfer across the service.
In her remarks, the Vice Chairman of OPTS, Mr. Elue Olumagin, noted that effective public policy remains the bedrock of a stable investment climate.
“Policies are the foundation of business stability. This training is a direct investment in building a capable public sector that can deliver and sustain policy environments attractive to long-term investment not just in oil and gas, but across Nigeria’s economy,” Olumagin said.
He stressed that the government cannot achieve development goals alone, adding that OPTS’ partnership with the public sector exemplifies the productive collaboration needed to build a better country.
“The private sector is key to transforming Africa,” he added.
The Founder of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, represented by the Foundation’s Director of Programmes, Chioma Njoku, underscored the urgency of policy reform.
She cited findings from previous training sessions that revealed many outdated government policies had not been reviewed in decades.
“When we asked who was responsible for reviewing these policies, the answer was ‘directors’. That’s why we are here — to make sure they are equipped to do the job,” she said.
She emphasised that success would be measured by how well these policies are translated into actionable plans, implemented by ministries, and, ultimately, how they improve the lives of Nigerians.
“Policies must not sit on shelves. We expect to see collaboration across ministries, outdated policies being reviewed, and new ones being crafted based on evidence and national priorities. By next year, we want to see policies driving ministry budgets and programmes,” she said.
This training initiative is a key part of efforts to modernize the Nigerian Civil Service and ensure it becomes a proactive and capable driver of national development.