The Ministry of Defence has commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, mni, OON, for her visionary leadership in spearheading a transformative study tour of Singapore’s civil service.
The initiative, which took place earlier this month, saw Mrs. Walson-Jack leading a high-level delegation of 20 State Heads of Service and select Federal Permanent Secretaries to explore one of the world’s most efficient and innovative public service models.
The four-day programme in Singapore offered critical insights into the strategies and frameworks that underpin the city-state’s renowned civil service.
It focused on key areas such as futuristic thinking, community-driven development, regulatory excellence, and the cultivation of a competency-based workforce.
Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, highlighted these takeaways during the tour’s conclusion. Speaking on behalf of the Federal Permanent Secretaries, he praised Singapore’s ability to turn challenges, such as resource constraints, into opportunities for extraordinary growth. 
“The Singaporean Civil Service stands as a global benchmark for efficiency and innovation. Their emphasis on forward-thinking strategies, community responsibility, and regulatory excellence aligns with our goals for the Nigerian Civil Service,” Ambassador Aduda noted.
He also commended Mrs. Walson-Jack for her foresight in organising the study tour, describing it as a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s public service delivery.
“This initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to transformative reforms. The lessons learned here will serve as a foundation for building a world-class public service that prioritises innovation, governance, and the well-being of citizens,” he added.
The Head of Service expressed her gratitude to the delegation for their active participation and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained from the tour to drive reforms within their respective offices.
She reaffirmed her commitment to fostering a civil service that is dynamic, citizen-centric, and aligned with global best practices.
The study tour is expected to serve as a catalyst for the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to modernise its civil service, enhancing governance and positioning it as a key driver of national development.
LV