The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Professor Tunji Olaopa, has called for a thorough review of disciplinary procedures within Nigeria’s civil service, citing persistent delays in handling such cases.
Speaking at the first joint retreat between the FCSC and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), held at the Office of the National Security Adviser Complex in Abuja, Olaopa said the current system hampers efficiency and accountability.
Themed “Enhancing Collaboration for an Efficient and Productive Civil Service in Nigeria,” the retreat brought together top officials to address overlapping roles, coordination gaps, and tensions between the two key institutions responsible for managing Nigeria’s federal workforce.
Olaopa emphasized the need for merit- and competency-based human resource practices, improved performance management systems, and a review of wage structures to better motivate civil servants.
In a statement signed by Taiwo Hassan, Head of Press and Public Relations at the FCSC, Olaopa likened the relationship between the FCSC and the OHCSF to that of “Siamese twins.”
“There is a thin line in our shared governance responsibilities, and overlaps naturally create tensions,” he said. “This retreat is designed to foster open communication, regular dialogue, problem-solving, and learning to prevent misunderstandings and build trust.”
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, echoed his remarks, stressing that progress in the civil service could only be achieved through collaboration rather than division.
“Progress is only possible when we work together, not apart,” she said, describing the retreat as a vital step toward strengthening institutional cooperation and aligning the goals of both organizations.
The Permanent Secretary of the FCSC, Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Phillip, noted that the retreat would help consolidate cooperation between the two offices and reposition the civil service for greater productivity.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Mustapha Lawal Suleiman highlighted the importance of policy synchronization, urging that the Commission’s core mandates be executed jointly with the Office of the Head of Service to enhance service delivery across the federal bureaucracy.
The retreat concluded with a shared commitment to streamline administrative processes and build a more responsive and accountable civil service in Nigeria.