The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has called on public service leaders to embrace digital innovation, strengthen inter-governmental collaboration, and base establishment decisions on credible evidence. She made the call on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026, at the opening of the 48th Meeting of the National Council on Establishments in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

‎Mrs. Walson-Jack said the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda depends largely on the capacity and efficiency of the Civil and Public Services at federal and state levels. She described the NCE as the apex policy-making body on public service structures, schemes of service and conditions of service.

The HCSF stressed that NCE decisions must be guided by objectivity, patriotism and professionalism, with the interest of Nigerians at the centre. She said ongoing reviews of Schemes of Service and requests for new cadres will be guided by findings from the Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis, PASGA.

According to her, PASGA goes beyond digital verification. It is designed to map workforce competencies, identify skills gaps and provide reliable data to guide training, deployment, workforce development and succession planning for a 21st-century public service.

‎Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who declared the meeting open, described the public service as the engine room of government. He said public institutions must become more agile, digitally enabled and accountable to respond to technological changes and workforce realities.

Governor Fubara commended Mrs. Walson-Jack for her bold leadership and transformative reforms in the Federal Civil Service, noting that Rivers State is studying relevant federal initiatives for possible adaptation. The HCSF also appreciated the Rivers State Government for hosting the council meeting.

The Head of Service of Rivers State, Dr. Inyingi Brown, said the meeting reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger, more responsive and globally competitive public service. The 48th NCE meeting brings together the HCSF, Heads of Service from the 36 states and FCT, as well as senior government officials.