The Federal Government has inaugurated an 11-member Technical Working Committee to develop a comprehensive framework for the full digitalisation of the Federal Civil Service.

The committee was inaugurated by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and is expected to develop the framework, roadmap and governance structure for implementing the Federal Executive Council (FEC)-approved digital transformation program across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

The initiative is aimed at creating a more integrated, efficient, secure and citizen-focused public service while eliminating fragmented digital systems and improving the delivery of government processes.

Speaking during the inauguration, Walson-Jack described the development as a significant milestone in the reform of the Federal Civil Service, stressing the need to move from policy approval to measurable implementation.

She said the committee was constituted following FEC approval of the Federal Civil Service Digital Transformation Progress Report, which assigned key responsibilities to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and called for coordinated implementation across MDAs.

According to her, the Federal Civil Service can no longer afford isolated digital initiatives operated independently by different institutions.

She said the government’s goal was to establish a government-wide digital ecosystem where systems could communicate seamlessly, information could be securely shared, administrative processes simplified and public servants equipped with the tools required to work more effectively.

Walson-Jack tasked the committee with producing a Digital Transformation Implementation Framework and Roadmap covering policy and governance, institutional coordination, system interoperability, cybersecurity, funding, digital readiness, capacity building, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

She also stressed the importance of sustainability, saying the transformation must be designed to survive beyond individual projects, leadership changes and administrations.

The HCSF noted that digital transformation was not merely about acquiring technology, but also involved redesigning processes, strengthening institutions and equipping personnel with the skills required to effectively use digital platforms.

“Public servants must be adequately equipped and supported to adopt and effectively use digital tools in the discharge of their responsibilities,” she said.

Responding on behalf of the committee, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, described the assignment as strategic and timely.

Gagare assured the HCSF that committee members would deploy their expertise and work with relevant MDAs and stakeholders to produce a framework that is practical, sustainable, inclusive and suited to the realities of the Nigerian Civil Service.

The committee is chaired by Dr Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Other members include Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance; Engr. Nadungu Gagare; Dr Danjuma Usman Kalba, Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office; and Dr Shamseldeen B. Ogunjimi, Accountant-General of the Federation.

Others are Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement; Joy Baderin, Director, Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Office; Uwem Ekpo, Director, ICT, OHCSF; Engr. Dr Gideon Adogbo, Senior Technical Adviser to the HCSF; Uyiosa Ebuehi, Technical Assistant to the HCSF; and Alex Gwaske, Director, ICT Service-Wide, who will serve as secretary.

The ICT Service-Wide Department of the OHCSF will serve as the committee’s secretariat.

The committee is expected to submit its first report to the HCSF within one week. The report will form the basis for establishing a steering committee, to be chaired by the HCSF, which will provide strategic oversight for implementation of the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda.