FG inaugurates committee to drive capacity devt in civil service

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has inaugurated the ONCE-Knowledge System Steering Committee, a new platform aimed at harmonising and elevating capacity building, knowledge management, and talent development across the Federal Civil Service.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Mrs. Walson-Jack said this initiative is in line with the current administration’s vision to create a World-Class, Future-Ready Civil Service. She described the system as “a bold new approach that ensures every Civil Servant, from the newest entrant to the most senior executive, is prepared, empowered, and supported throughout their career journey.”

The system addresses the long-standing issue of fragmented capacity building by creating a single, coordinated framework.

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This framework, anchored on the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25), is designed to support civil servants from entry to exit.

Mrs Walson-Jack explained that the ONCE-Knowledge System is built on five interconnected pillars.

It begins with comprehensive onboarding programs for new staff, followed by robust capability development initiatives such as the Structured Mandatory Assessment-Based Programme (SMAT-P) and the Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (LEAD-P).

The framework also includes executive masterclasses for ministers, permanent secretaries, and chief executives.

As officers transition out of service, structured exit management protocols are in place to preserve institutional memory and support retirees.

Finally, a dedicated knowledge management strategy aims to institutionalise learning and safeguard the collective wisdom of the Civil Service for future generations.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, Mrs Fatima Mahmood, noted that the initiative “brings coherence to all capacity building efforts and ensures we deliver tangible results in this declared Year of Accomplishments.”

A statement from Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations, disclosed that the 14-member Committee is chaired by Mrs. Fatima Mahmood.

The committee comprises senior officials from key government offices, heads of federal training institutions, and representatives from development partners and the private sector.

“The inauguration marks another milestone in the ongoing civil service reform journey, signalling the Federal Government’s commitment to building a highly skilled, future-ready workforce capable of delivering world-class public services to Nigerians,” the statement added.