The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has convened the 2026 International Civil Service Conference in Abuja, bringing together public sector leaders, reform experts and development partners from across the world to discuss innovation and transformation in governance.
Speaking during her welcome address at the conference, Walson-Jack said the gathering was organised to showcase measurable progress achieved since the launch of the Federal Civil Service reform agenda last year.
She disclosed that the Service-Wise GPT platform, an artificial intelligence-powered tool developed to assist civil servants in navigating service rules and institutional procedures, had recorded more than 50,000 conversations since its deployment.
According to her, the conference attracted delegates from 16 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore and Ghana, while over 5,000 participants attended physically, with thousands more joining virtually.
Walson-Jack explained that the conference structure was designed around eight thematic stages — Aspire, Innovate, Activate, Accelerate, Accomplish, Rejuvenate, Transform and Impact — which she described as representing the pathway to meaningful and sustainable reform in the public service.
She noted that the conference underscored Nigeria’s growing commitment to building a modern, technology-driven and citizen-focused civil service capable of meeting emerging global governance challenges.
The conference is expected to continue with roundtable engagements, strategic partnership discussions and the signing of memoranda of understanding aimed at deepening collaboration and strengthening public sector innovation among participating countries.
Participants are also expected to explore new ideas and practical solutions for improving service delivery, institutional efficiency and international cooperation within the civil service sector.
Abuja Times reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.