Leading Figures in Nigerian Civil Service Gather for Dinner
Olusegun Mojido, former president of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), alongside Ogochukwu Egbuonu, CIPM Country Treasurer, and Didi Esther Wolson Jack, Director of the Federal Civil Service, recently convened with CIPM Registrar and Chief Executive, Mr. Oluwatoyin Naiwo, during a dinner hosted by the CIPM in Abuja. This gathering underscored a collective commitment to enhancing the civil service in Nigeria.
Commitment to Institutional Reform and Collaboration
The Federal Civil Service Commissioner (HCSF), as well as Civil Service Commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reasserted their dedication to transforming the civil service through enhanced collaboration, professionalism, innovation, and institutional reform. This commitment was notably highlighted during a high-level dinner organized by CIPM in honor of the HCSF, as well as National Service Secretaries and Permanent Secretaries attending the 2026 International Civil Service Conference (ICSC) in Abuja.
Calls for Action Beyond the Conference
Didi Esther Wolson-Jacques, who spoke at the event, emphasized the importance of transforming the insights and discussions from the conference into real reforms within government agencies. “As you return to your respective states, please share the knowledge, tools, and partnerships you’ve gained here,” she urged attendees. “Let’s convert dialogue into action and impart real improvements in service delivery,” she added, highlighting the dinner’s role as a platform for collaboration and relationship-building among public sector leaders.
The Power of Informal Dialogue
Wolson-Jacques went on to express that impactful reform ideas often emerge from informal discussions rather than formal meetings. “Sometimes, the most valuable insights come from a simple conversation over dinner,” she noted. Her recognition of the CIPM’s ongoing efforts to foster professionalism, capacity building, and institutional reform in Nigeria’s civil service was equally commendable.
Recognition of Professional Standards in Human Resources
During the evening, Mr. Ahmed Ladan Gobir, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CIPM, stated that the recent acknowledgment of the CIPM certification within the Federal Civil Service marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s human resources profession. “This recognition is more than just a policy; it signifies that professionalism, competence, and effective talent management play crucial roles in nation-building,” he remarked.
Anticipating Future Developments
Mr. Gobir also praised Wolson-Jacques for her visionary leadership that has inspired renewed confidence across the public sector. Furthermore, he commended service chiefs throughout the Commonwealth for their resilience despite the various challenges faced in governance. He announced that the 58th International Conference and Exhibition will take place in Abuja from September 21 to 24, 2026, under the theme “Repositioning for Value and Impact,” urging attendance from all stakeholders.
Public Service at a Pivot Point
Fatima Sugla Mahmoud, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Blue Economy, addressed the attendees by stating that Nigeria’s public service is at a critical juncture requiring innovative leadership, organizational discipline, and sustained cooperation. “The quality of a country’s governance is ultimately determined by the strength of its institutions,” she asserted, emphasizing that traditional bureaucratic processes are insufficient in a rapidly changing environment driven by technological advances and rising expectations.
Acknowledging Achievements in Human Resources
The dinner also hosted the second annual CIPM Special Recognition Awards, aimed at promoting professionalism in human resources and encouraging strategic talent management across the public sector. Awards were granted to local governments in Lagos, Ogun, Kwara, and the FCT for their successful organization of professional CIPM induction ceremonies throughout the past year. The evening concluded with stakeholders reiterating their collective commitment to enhancing public services in Nigeria while emphasizing the need for stronger partnerships and good governance focused on citizen needs.
