Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on the FCT Civil Service Commission to fully embrace digital transformation as part of strategic imperatives to improve the civil service in the administration.
Wike stated this at a three-day retreat organised by the FCT-CSC in Abuja on Tuesday with the theme, “Building a 21st Century Civil Service Commission: The Role of the FCT Civil Service Commission”.
The minister who was represented by the pioneer Head of Civil Service of the FCT Civil Service, Samuel Atang, said that the civil service must also prioritise continuous learning and professional development of staff to equip workers with the latest knowledge.
He said the Commission was at the heart of ensuring a civil service that is not only effective and efficient, but also innovative and responsive to the needs of the 21st Century.
He noted that the Commission must lead the way in implementing e-governance solutions, and enhanced service delivery through technology.
“The FCT Civil Service Commission is at the heart of our efforts to ensure that our civil service is not only effective and efficient but also innovative, adaptive, and responsive to the needs of the 21st Century.
“The digital revolution is reshaping every aspect of our lives and the public sector is no exception. To build a 21st Century civil service, we must fully embrace digital transformation.
“This means investing in cutting-edge technologies, developing digital skills among our workforce, and fostering a culture of innovation. The Commission must lead the way in implementing e-governance solutions, streaming processes, and enhancing service delivery through technology.
“The landscape of public service is constantly evolving and so must our skills and knowledge. We must prioritise continuous learning and professional development for our staff. This entails regular programs, workshops, and opportunities for higher education,” he said.
Earlier in his address, Chairman of FCT-CSC, Emeka Ezeh, appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister for the establishment of the civil service in the FCT as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.
He highlighted challenges that may be faced by the CSC, especially from disgruntled illegal workers and those who did not favour the progress of the FCT civil service, adding however that the Commission will carry out its responsibilities without fear or favour.
“We are not unmindful of the fact that a new body like the FCT Civil Service Commission will naturally be met with some apprehension by those who are not too sure yet of the responsibilities of the commission.
“We expect to see those who found their way into the FCT public service illegally mount a campaign of calumny against the Commission, and even against the FCT administration. These are normal in a setup like this,” Ezeh said.
The FCT-CSC Chairman assured the President and the FCT Minister and the Minister of State of the Commission’s commitment in discharging its responsibilities without fear or favour. “We will not be deterred by those who may feel threatened by the Commission,” he said.
The chairman also disclosed that the Commission has undertaken the digital bio-data of over 30,000 staff of the FCTA through its full-fledged ICT Department approved by the FCT Minister.
He added that the data was awaiting analysis as a highlight of the Commission’s adoption of technology in the discharge of its duties.