The Federal Government has approved three new policies to reform Nigeria’s civil service.
The move aims to improve productivity, reward excellence, and build a more accountable and efficient public workforce.
The Federal Government has approved three major policies designed to transform Nigeria’s civil service, improve productivity, and enhance service delivery. The newly approved policies are the Rewards and Recognition Policy, the Incentive and Consequence Management Policy, and the Civil Service Mentoring Policy.
The approval was given at the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu. The initiative is part of efforts to promote accountability, professional growth, and a performance-driven public sector culture across all ministries and agencies.
In a statement signed by Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, explained that the new policies will promote staff welfare and align with the 2021 Public Service Rules. She noted that the reforms reflect the government’s plan to build a modern civil service system that is effective, citizen-focused, and free of corruption.
Walson-Jack commended President Tinubu for his commitment to improving the public service structure and for supporting policies that will reward excellence while holding officers accountable for their actions. According to her, the approval marks a significant step toward recognizing the contributions of diligent workers and grooming future leaders within the system.
The Rewards and Recognition Policy aims to attract, train, and retain talented personnel within the civil service. It provides a structured approach to celebrating excellence and innovation among staff, which is expected to enhance institutional performance across different government departments.
Similarly, the Incentive and Consequence Management Policy establishes a balanced framework that rewards good performance and introduces fair corrective measures for underperformance. The policy seeks to promote transparency, discipline, and fairness, ensuring that employees who excel are encouraged, while those who fall short receive guidance and support for improvement.
The Civil Service Mentoring Policy focuses on building the next generation of leaders by pairing experienced officers with younger employees. The initiative is expected to bridge the knowledge gap created by retirements and strengthen institutional continuity. Through this policy, junior staff will gain essential skills, values, and leadership ethics needed for sustainable service delivery.
According to the statement, the three policies are designed to work together to build an efficient and motivated workforce. They are expected to create a culture of excellence and accountability while supporting career development across all levels of the civil service.
Walson-Jack added that the President’s approval signals the beginning of a more dynamic, innovative, and people-centered public service, assuring that the dedication and performance of civil servants will now be duly recognized and rewarded.
