FG Doles Out Millions To Encourage Innovation In Civil Service.

Emphasize FG's Transformation Of Federal Civil Service To A More Efficient, Productive, Citizen Centred Institution.

.... As HCSF Says "The project is a reflection of the potential within the Nigerian public sector to deliver citizen-focused and cost-effective solutions." 

Mrs Esther Didi WaIson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has expressed gratitude to Nigeria's President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the public service reform.

The Head of Service, while reiterating the Federal Government's commitment in  transforming the Federal Civil Service, emphasized that the Federal Government would transform the Federal Civil Service to a more efficient, productive, citizen centred institution.

Mrs Didi WaIson-Jack who stated this during the 5th edition of the annual federal public service innovation competition award ceremony in Abuja, said that the competition has significantly grown in reach, structure and impact since its inception in 2020.

The Head of Service, while emphasizing on the critical role innovation plays in achieving the goals of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan, 2021–2025, disclosed that, "innovation is not just a strategy, it is at the core of the Service’s transformation agenda.

Speaking commendably about the projects, she stated that, "The project is a reflection of the potential within the Nigerian public sector to deliver citizen-focused and cost-effective solutions."

Mrs Didi WaIson-Jack who stated that since the inception of the project in 2020, the competition has brought about over 50 innovative ideas, with three already implemented in the civil service; the Anonymous Reporting System, the COMPRO Computer-Based Test, and the Office Space Management System.

According to her, "Participants were trained on ideation and pitching, while technical teams ensured smooth coordination through digital platforms like Slack, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

She revealed that "228 Civil Servants formed 66 teams and submitted 155 entries, reflecting growing interest and commitment across the MDAs”.

At the competition, Five million Naira (N5 million) was awarded to the overall winner, Three million Naira (N3 million) to the 1st runner up, while the sum of Two million Naira (N2 million) was awarded to the second runner up and the sum of N200,000 given as consolation to the next ten teams.

While speaking on behalf of the winning team, as the first-place winner in the 5th edition of the Annual Federal Public Service Innovation Competition, Nusrah Wali, disclosed that the team invented a Carpooling platform, designed exclusively for government workers to reduce cost of transportation and ease traffic congestion by allowing civil servants across all MDAs to register on a dedicated platform and choose between financial and non-financial carpooling options.

She disclosed that “in the financial model, a Civil Servant with a car receives compensation from others in the group, similar to a ride-hailing service tailored for government employees.

"In the non-financial model, car owners share driving duties on assigned days, ensuring cost savings without monetary exchange”.

Nusrah Wali disclosed that the proposal is expected to not only reduce transportation costs for civil servants, but also contribute to environmental sustainability and foster collaboration across government bodies.

“This win is deeply emotional for us. We have worked on this concept for years.” It’s a dream come true to see it being recognised on such a platform that promotes inter-agency innovation within the civil service.”

Present at the event are, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, former HCSF, Ms. Amal Pepple, former HCSF, Danladi Kafasi, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties Office-OHCSF, Maj. Gen. Abiodu Fadayiro,  Representative of Chief of Army Staff, and Federal Permanent Secretaries from some Ministries.