A wave of transformation is sweeping through Nigeria’s civil service, driven by a dual focus on innovation and the digital advancement, coupled with a promising
outlook for enhanced staff welfare.
The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO) has been at the forefront of this movement, with key announcements made during the 2026 Civil Service Week Celebration in Abuja.
Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire, Permanent Secretary of FMINO, set the tone on the opening day, urging officers and staff to embrace innovation, continuous learning, digital transformation, teamwork, and excellence in service delivery.
Her call underscored the critical tools needed to build a productive, citizen- centered, and world-class public service.
“Today is your day. We’re here to celebrate every one of you who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure continuity, stability and progress in public administration,” Dr. Ukaire stated, acknowledging invaluable contributions of civil servants to national development.
The celebration’s theme, “Transforming Public Institutions Through Advancing Innovation, Participation and Inclusion,” directly aligns with the Federal Govt’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening public institutions through technology- driven administration and enhanced capacity building.
Dr. Ukaire emphasized the Ministry’s strategic role as the engine room of government communication and national orientation, stressing the need to adapt to the evolving demands of modern governance.
She urged staff to uphold core public service values: integrity, professionalism, accountability, patriotism, excellence, reiterating that “Change has come, but you are the ones who will make that change happen”.
Adding to this progressive narrative, the Minister of Information and National
Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed a significant development on the second day of the celebration:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively considering measures to improve the welfare package for personnel within Nigeria’s information sector.
This announcement, made during a ceremony recognizing deserving officers and staff, signals the administration’s commitment to rewarding dedication, professionalism, and excellence.
Minister Idris disclosed that President Tinubu had personally directed him to explore practical ways to enhance the welfare of information sector workers. “I want to reveal for the first time that we are working with Mr. President.
“He has asked me to look at what we
can do, especially for those within the information sector, so that we improve their welfare package. I want to assure you that Mr. President is going to achieve that,” the Minister affirmed.
Commending the resilience and patriotism of civil servants, Minister Idris described them as the “engine room of governance and indispensable partners in nation-building”.
He highlighted the FMINO’s crucial role in promoting national unity, disseminating accurate information, and fostering citizens’ understanding of government policies, stressing that information should serve as a tool for unity and development.
The Minister also touched upon key achievements of Tinubu Administration, including economic reforms, improved revenue, strengthened foreign reserves, and ongoing infrastructure development.
Both Dr. Ukaire and Minister Idris urged staff to recommit to professionalism, integrity, selfless service, emphasizing that national development hinges on the efficiency and commitment of the civil service.
Dr. Ukaire further reminded officers that they are “nation-builders and agents of positive change, whose responsibilities directly impact the lives of Nigerians”.
The week-long celebration, running from the June 22 to June 28, 2026, features various activities, including sensitisation presentations on the six pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 2021‒2025).
These pillars cover crucial areas such as capability building, performance management, integrated personnel and payroll information systems, innovation, digitalization, and staff welfare, all aimed at repositioning the Federal Civil Service for greater efficiency and enhanced service delivery to Nigerians.
