ABUJA, Nigeria – The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, has said the Federal Civil Service must drive Nigeria’s economic transformation and help achieve President Bola Tinubu’s target of a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

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‎Abel said the service needs a capable, innovative, productive and results-driven workforce to translate government policies into tangible outcomes.

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‎He spoke at the 2026 Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries Week Colloquium and unveiling of the CORFEPS Journal on Public Policy and Governance on Wednesday in Abuja. The theme was “Navigating the Headwinds of Governance: Centrality of the Civil Service.”

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‎The HCSF said economic uncertainties, fiscal pressures and technological disruptions show the need for strong institutions and effective policy implementation. He said the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda depends on the capacity of the Civil Service to provide objective advice, implement decisions efficiently and remain accountable to citizens.

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‎He said the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2026–2030 will build on the achievements of the 2025 plan, with focus on digital transformation, simplified administrative processes and improved performance management. He said this will require a shift in mindsets, work ethics and institutional culture.

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‎Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser on Power and Infrastructure in his office, Sadiq Wanka, said national aspirations can only be realised when institutions translate policies into results. He commended CORFEPS for providing a platform for experience-sharing and policy reflection.

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‎Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who delivered the keynote address, said the Civil Service ensures administrative continuity and sustains governance across administrations. He said good governance requires merit-based recruitment, stronger alignment between performance and promotion, evidence-based advice and accountability for results.

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‎Mustapha commended CORFEPS for its contributions through policy advisories, research and publications, and called for stronger collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service to promote mentorship and preserve institutional memory.

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‎Abel described the unveiling of the maiden CORFEPS Journal as an important step to document administrative experience and promote evidence-based policymaking. He urged public servants and researchers to contribute research that addresses governance challenges.

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‎CORFEPS Chairman, Yayale Ahmed, said the experience of retired officers remains a valuable resource for addressing governance challenges and stressed the need to preserve institutional memory and promote knowledge-sharing.

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‎The event was attended by serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of Service including immediate past HCSF Didi Esther Walson-Jack and Isa Bello Sali, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.