Head of Service leads delegation on study visit to Singapore
In a bid to overhaul Nigeria’s civil service and align it with global best practices, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, mni, OON, recently led a high-powered delegation to Singapore on a study visit.
The team, comprising 20 state Heads of Service and select Federal Permanent Secretaries, participated in the four-day programme in January 2025.
According to a statement released by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, the visit aimed to understudy the Singaporean Civil Service, celebrated worldwide for its efficiency, innovation, and role in transforming the Southeast Asian nation into a global economic powerhouse.
The programme provided an in-depth look into Singapore’s public service delivery framework, uncovering strategies that could redefine Nigeria’s civil service.
The delegation explored key pillars of the Singaporean model, including futuristic planning, community-oriented governance, and a relentless focus on regulatory excellence and workforce competency.
On the final day of the study tour, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, highlighted five key lessons from Singapore’s civil service model while speaking on behalf of the Federal Permanent Secretaries.
First, he emphasized the importance of futuristic thinking, a defining feature of Singapore’s success. The country’s forward-looking policies are designed to anticipate challenges and ensure long-term relevance, positioning its civil service as a proactive force in governance.
Secondly, he noted the sense of community that underpins Singapore’s development efforts. A collective sense of responsibility and national pride fosters unity, enabling the civil service to focus on shared goals and drive sustainable progress.
Ambassador Aduda also pointed to resilience and realism as critical lessons. Singapore’s ability to transform its resource constraints into growth opportunities showcases the power of strategic planning and determination in overcoming limitations.
Another takeaway was Singapore’s commitment to regulatory excellence, achieved through regular reviews of policies and regulations. This approach ensures continuous improvement, keeping the civil service efficient, adaptable, and responsive to changing needs.
Finally, he underscored the value of a competency-driven workforce. Singapore’s emphasis on skill development and adaptability guarantees consistent progress, making its civil service a model of innovation and efficiency.
These lessons, Ambassador Aduda said, could serve as a blueprint for strengthening Nigeria’s civil service and driving transformative reforms.
Ambassador Aduda commended Mrs. Walson-Jack’s visionary leadership, describing the initiative as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s public sector. “This study tour is a testament to the government’s commitment to building a world-class civil service. The lessons learnt will enhance governance, foster innovation, and improve service delivery to Nigerians,” he said.
He also assured Mrs. Walson-Jack of the delegation’s resolve to apply the insights gained to achieve meaningful reforms across the public sector.
The study visit underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to transformative reforms in the civil service, setting the stage for a more dynamic, citizen-centric public sector capable of driving national development.
