The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has urged civil service commissions nationwide to prepare for the future of work through digital competence, continuous learning and institutional reforms.
Olaopa made the call on Thursday at the closing session of the 45th Annual National Council of the Civil Service Commissions of the Federation in Asaba, Delta State.
He said the commissions must respond to changing professional expectations, generational perspectives and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on public administration.
In collaboration with the Offices of the Heads of Service, he urged them to review schemes of service, emerging job requirements and the skills needed to improve government effectiveness.
Highlighting the demands of the future workplace, Olaopa stressed the importance of continuous learning, digital competence and appropriate leadership behaviour among public servants.
“The standards we enforce, the conduct we tolerate and the contributions we recognise will shape the culture of our institutions,” he said.
He also emphasised stronger implementation, communication and peer learning, noting that engagement with other public service institutions could provide valuable lessons.
“Peer learning, including engagement through the Association of African Public Service Commissions, should help us adapt useful practices to our own circumstances,” he added.
Olaopa said the Asaba gathering gave commission leaders an opportunity to address a fundamental question: “How do we reposition our Civil Service Commissions to build a professional, competent, ethical and adaptable civil service that can meet the demands of national development and the expectations of our citizens?”
He said the meeting’s theme, “Towards a Future-Ready Civil Service: The Role of Institutional Re-engineering, Reputation Management and Culture Change at the Civil Service Commissions in Nigeria,” provided a framework for addressing the challenge.
According to him, the question also required leaders to examine their institutions, decisions and the experiences of citizens who depend on their services.
He situated the meeting within the council’s ongoing reform journey, recalling its 2024 gathering in Katsina, where members committed to institutional re-engineering and stronger governance partnerships with their respective governments.
He also recalled the 2025 meeting in Umuahia, where the council examined the FCSC Strategic Plan, 2026–2030, and the need to restore a capable, citizen-centred and accountable civil service.
Olaopa said the Asaba meeting was expected to advance the reform agenda by assessing progress, addressing outstanding challenges and identifying practical measures that Federal and State Civil Service Commissions could pursue collectively.
