ABUJA — Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Esther Walson-Jack, has urged journalists to continue asking difficult questions and holding public institutions accountable as Nigeria advances reforms in the Federal Civil Service.
Walson-Jack made the call during a Special Interactive Session with media correspondents and editors at the Obasanjo Hall, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Abuja.
She commended the media for what she described as its “fair, balanced and objective coverage” of civil service reforms, saying journalists had played an important role in helping Nigerians understand changes taking place across the public service.
“You have helped Nigerians to see, understand and appreciate the transformation taking place across the Federal Civil Service,” she said.
Walson-Jack added that journalists had closely followed the government’s reform journey through reports, features, interviews and analyses, covering its achievements, innovations and challenges.
She, however, stressed that the media’s responsibility goes beyond reporting official events, urging journalists to scrutinise government policies and demand explanations where necessary.
“You must ask difficult questions, seek clarification, interrogate issues and hold public institutions accountable,” she said.
“Indeed, some of your questions have occasionally been more difficult than the reforms themselves! But those questions have also helped us to reflect, communicate more clearly and improve our work.”
The Head of Service said strong institutions could not be built through praise alone, stressing the importance of constructive criticism, informed scrutiny and continuous engagement between government and the media.
As she approaches the end of her tenure, Walson-Jack urged journalists to maintain responsible, factual, balanced and constructive reporting.
“Report our achievements truthfully, interrogate our challenges fairly and continue to help Nigerians understand the vital role of a professional, efficient, productive, ethical, incorruptible and citizen-centred Public Service,” she said.
She expressed confidence that the partnership between the OHCSF and the media would become stronger, describing it as being founded on “trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving the Nigerian people.”
In her closing remarks, Walson-Jack urged journalists to maintain scrutiny of the Federal Civil Service while also reporting progress recorded through ongoing reforms.
“Please keep asking the important questions. Keep telling the full story. Keep holding the Federal Civil Service to the highest standards. And, every now and then, remember to tell Nigerians that the Civil Service is also making progress!” she said.
The session was attended by Permanent Secretaries, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Civil Service Matters, editors, directors of news and members of the OHCSF Correspondents’ Chapel.
The OHCSF is implementing civil service reforms under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 and the upcoming FCSSIP30 2026–2030, with emphasis on professionalism, digitalisation, performance management and citizen-centred service delivery.
