Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery,, have met in Abuja resolving to boost collaboration between the two countries on Civil Service Reforms.
The discuss expanding cooperation in civil service reforms on Thursday is aimed at enhancing productivity and governance in both nations.
Mrs. Walson-Jack, in a statement by Eno Olotu (Mrs.), Head, Information and Public Relations, expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for its continued partnership with the Nigerian Civil Service.
She emphasized that the collaboration will strengthen governance structures and improve service delivery.
According to her, the High Commissioner's visit is a significant milestone that could pave the way for deeper collaboration between Nigeria, the UK, and other international partners.
Reflecting on her recent engagement with the UK Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Walson-Jack said "Your visit today presents an opportunity to solidify the discussions we had during my visit to the UK."
Capability Building and Talent Management, which is the first pillar of Nigeria's Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP-25), she noted is a key area of mutual interest for both countries.
Mrs. Walson-Jack further proposed expanding the Capability Building and Talent Management scope through exchange programmes and study tours in collaboration with the UK Civil Service.
She also expressed interest in incorporating the UK’s Service Live Programme during Nigeria's 2025 Civil Service Week, stressing that it is a platform for professional development, networking, and capacity building across public service sectors.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation outlined several initiatives she has championed since assuming office, including the reintroduction of the Federal Civil Service Anthem, and the creation of "War Rooms" to accelerate the implementation of FCSSIP-25.
These efforts, she explained, are designed to foster innovation and creativity within the civil service.
In his response, Dr. Richard Montgomery congratulated Mrs. Walson-Jack on her appointment and reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service reforms.
He stated that ongoing discussions would focus on aligning UK support with Nigeria's priorities, particularly through the FCSSIP-25 "War Rooms."
Dr. Montgomery highlighted the UK's readiness to assist Nigeria in areas such as digital professionalization and risk management.
He expressed mutual interest in learning from Nigeria’s reform strategies.
He noted that both nations face similar challenges in enhancing Civil Service productivity, and collaboration would be beneficial in achieving shared objectives.
The British High Commissioner assured of sustained support from the UK in advancing Nigeria’s Civil Service Reforms.
He also harped on the importance of building a robust partnership to accelerate progress.