The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, has concluded a three-part staff interaction programme at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), with a call for Directorate-Level Officers to play a stronger role in leadership, mentorship and institutional development.
The final engagement, held at the OHCSF Conference Room in Abuja, brought together officers on Grades 15 to 17 and focused on strengthening leadership capacity while identifying practical ways to improve efficiency and service delivery across the Civil Service.
Focus on Bridging Policy and Implementation
Addressing the officers, Abel described the Directorate cadre as an important link between policy formulation and implementation, stressing that officers at this level have a responsibility to translate institutional priorities into effective action.
He urged Directors to lead with purpose, promote accountability and encourage innovation and teamwork within their respective areas of responsibility.
According to the HCSF, effective leadership should extend beyond the completion of assigned duties to include the deliberate development of staff and the creation of an environment where younger officers can build the skills needed to take on greater responsibilities.
Continuous Learning Highlighted as Leadership Priority
Abel also encouraged the officers to make continuous learning and self-development a central part of their professional careers.
He urged them to remain receptive to new ideas and explore innovative approaches to administrative challenges, while encouraging senior officers to provide meaningful professional guidance to their subordinates.
The HCSF emphasised that developing the next generation of public servants would require deliberate mentorship, stronger teamwork and a sustained commitment to professional excellence.
Strong Institutions Depend on People Development
Abel further noted that effective institutions cannot be sustained by policies alone, arguing that institutional strength also depends on leaders who are committed to developing people and ensuring that responsibilities are carried out professionally.
He stressed the importance of fostering a shared sense of public purpose, collaboration and accountability in order to improve the effectiveness of government administration and service delivery.
Management Welcomes Direct Staff Engagement
The Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, OHCSF, Dr Danjuma Usman Kalba, welcomed the Directorate-Level Officers to the session and described the direct interaction with the HCSF as an indication of his commitment to inclusive leadership and open communication.
Kalba said the engagement gave officers an opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the HCSF’s vision and expectations while also allowing them to raise operational concerns and suggest areas where improvements could be made.
Directorate Cadre Reaffirms Commitment
The Director of Human Resources Management and Administration, Mrs Jennifer Sharang, thanked the HCSF for creating the opportunity for direct engagement with officers.
She reaffirmed the commitment of Directorate-Level Officers to initiatives aimed at building a more responsive, productive and people-centred Civil Service.
The interaction also provided an avenue for officers to exchange views on workplace challenges and contribute ideas aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the OHCSF.
Third Phase Brings Staff Interaction Series to a Close
The Directorate-level meeting represented the third and final phase of the HCSF’s staff interaction series at the OHCSF.
The programme followed earlier engagements with Junior and Mid-Level Officers, giving staff across different cadres an opportunity to interact directly with the Head of the Civil Service.
Through the series, officers were able to raise concerns, discuss operational issues and put forward suggestions on strengthening the Office and improving public service delivery.
The conclusion of the programme underscored the OHCSF’s emphasis on direct communication, leadership development and staff participation as part of its broader efforts to strengthen institutional performance.
