HCSF Urges Permanent Secretaries to Institutionalize Reforms

During the 2026 annual retreat for permanent secretaries, Stella Oduem, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), charged the attendees to intensify efforts in embedding ongoing reforms within the civil service to ensure the creation of a durable system and legacy. Didi Esther Walson Jack highlighted the need for strong leadership and effective change management strategies, emphasizing the importance of digital capabilities and robust monitoring and evaluation as critical pillars for long-term sustainability.

The retreat also featured contributions from notable figures, including Dr. Ibukun Awosika, who encouraged participants to reassess leadership paradigms and strengthen personal responsibility. The event served as a platform for reviewing the progress made under the Federal Civil Service Strategy Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021-2025 and developing its successor plan.

The retreat underscored the pivotal role of permanent secretaries in translating government policies into tangible improvements for citizens.