The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has unveiled its first-ever strategic plan 2026-2030, marking a major milestone since its establishment 75 years ago. The announcement was made during the Commission’s strategic plan stakeholder validation workshop held at Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, said the new plan was developed to reposition the FCSC and drive transformation in line with 21st-century governance and management principles. He explained that the strategic plan is a response to the charge given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the inauguration of the reconstituted 10th Commission on December 13, 2023.
Olaopa disclosed that the Commission had earlier implemented a repositioning plan after a rapid assessment of its operations, but identified gaps that needed to be addressed. “It therefore became obvious to us one and a half years into the implementation of the FCSC repositioning plan, that the plan, as roadmap and an institutional response to the President’s charge to us, had significant gaps. Gaps, in terms of details of evidence-based concrete strategies, change management programmes and a carefully designed projects for a more reassuring transformation journey,” he said.
He announced that beginning with the 2025 promotion exercise, the FCSC will introduce a Computer Based Test (CBT) for all promotion examinations. According to him, the CBT method will ensure transparency, accountability, and convenience compared to the previous paper-based exams which required civil servants to travel to Abuja. He added that merit-based processes would guide promotions and that federal character principles will be implemented with fair representation of women and persons with disabilities.
Olaopa also revealed that the Commission is working with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to institutionalise performance-based systems that link promotions and career progression to key performance indicators, citizen feedback, and revised annual appraisal reports. He said the goal is to transform the Commission into a critical HR management institution that will support the transformation of the federal public service and contribute to achieving a one trillion dollar economy by 2030 under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In her goodwill message, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, represented by Dr. Deborah Oyindamola Ninma Odoh, praised the FCSC for involving stakeholders in the planning process, describing the civil service as the “engine room for policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Phillip, urged stakeholders to make the plan not only aspirational but also practical and impactful. Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, advised the leadership to ensure every staff member understands the plan and takes ownership of its implementation.
The validation workshop featured group sessions led by consultants Dr. Otive Igbuzor and Dr. Bert Odiaka, with Prof. Dele Olowu joining virtually from Amsterdam to present an overview. Participants included current and retired permanent secretaries, civil society organisations, law enforcement agencies, Ministry of Finance and Budget officials, and representatives of the organised private sector.
