In a testament to the robust collaboration between Nigeria and International Development Partners, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has received significant support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a landmark Study Tour to Singapore by the Heads of Civil Service of Nigeria

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack OON, mni, who is currently leading 20 Heads of Service of the Federation in the first phase of a two-part initiative said it was designed to enhance Nigeria’s Civil Service by leveraging the globally renowned Singapore Public Service model and adapt them to Nigeria's Civil Service, thereby improving its efficiency and accountability.

According to her the Civil service plays pivotal role in the development and progress of the State and  Nation pointing out  a concerted effort to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda by of the present administration .

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation pointed out that the study tour of Heads of Service of the State in Singapore is further driven by the commitment to strengthening Public Service reforms, promoting Digital Transformation and Innovation, building Capacity for effective Policy Formulation and Implementation thereby  fostering Public-Private Partnerships, and enhancing the Collaborationbetween Federal and State Civil Services.

The three-day tour according to her  would give  delegation first-hand exposure to Singapore’s governance structures, resource management, and operational strategies.

Welcoming the delegation,  the Director UNDP Global Center, Singapore,  Joe Cooper said the government and the private sector must collaborate and leverage on digital inclusion technologies to drive transformation.  

According to him, capacity building and digital competences of the civil service is very key to government policy drive. 

In his presentation , Dhani Spiller emphasised the need for digital capacity laboratory pointing out that it would enable the various MDAs of Government not only to update skills but introduce new technology and enhance a more citizen centered Civil service to attain the goals of government 

Some Heads of Service who commented at the session believe the programme had underscored   government’s  commitment to advancing governance and institutional reforms in line with global best practices and promises which promises a  brighter future for Nigeria's Civil Service.

 Ogun State Head of Service, Kehinde  Onasanya said the study tour aligned with the vision, mission and unwavering commitment of the present administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun to deepening the public service in terms of capacity building, digitization and innovate reforms aimed at positioning the state as an economic nerve center for the prosperity of the people .

 He said some topical issues and discussions at the tour offered unique opportunity to learn from a global hub of public service excellence and further adapt its principles to strenghtening public service delivery through training and re- training of the workforce 

Crucial institutions to be visited in Singapore include the Public Service Division, the Civil Service College, the UNDP-supported Global Centre for Public Service Excellence, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Other relevant institutions to be visited are the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO), Economic Development Board (EDB), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), SkillsFuture Singapore, Strategy Group, and Open Government Projects (OGP). 

 Singapore has the best Civil Service in the world.