The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Olumuyiwa Abel, has called on directors and senior officers to focus on mentorship, accountability, and grooming the next generation of competent public servants. This was stated during an interactive session with Directorate-Level Officers on Grades 15–17 at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja. The session marked the conclusion of his staff engagement series.
Abel emphasized the critical role of the directorate cadre in linking policy formulation and effective implementation. He stressed that their leadership is essential to building an efficient, accountable, and results-driven civil service. The officers were urged to provide purposeful leadership, mentor younger colleagues, and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional excellence.
The Head of Service highlighted the need for continuous learning and self-development. He encouraged directors to remain open to new ideas and adopt innovative approaches to overcoming administrative challenges. According to Abel, strong institutions are sustained not only by sound policies but also by leaders who invest in people, promote teamwork, and ensure that public responsibilities are discharged with professionalism and a strong sense of purpose.
Abel emphasized that directors must deliberately build the capacity of their subordinates. This involves providing professional guidance necessary to develop a new generation of capable and confident public servants. The engagement provided an opportunity for management officers to align strategic priorities, discuss operational challenges, and propose practical solutions to improve efficiency and service delivery.
The interactive session was part of Abel's staff interaction series at the OHCSF. Earlier sessions had been held with junior- and mid-level officers. The series provided a platform for civil servants across different cadres to engage directly with the Head of Service, raise concerns, share operational experiences, and contribute ideas towards strengthening institutional effectiveness and improving service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office, OHCSF, Danjuma Usman Kalba, noted that the direct engagement demonstrated the Head of Service's commitment to inclusive leadership and open communication. The interaction offered officers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Abel's vision and expectations while providing a platform to share their experiences and suggest areas for improvement.
Other attendees, including the Director of Human Resources Management and Administration, Jennifer Sharang, commended the Head of Service for the initiative. They reaffirmed the commitment of directorate-level officers to supporting reforms aimed at building a responsive, productive, and people-centred civil service. The engagement was held on 28 September 2026 at the OHCSF Conference Room in Abuja.
Key points
- The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Olumuyiwa Abel, charges directors to strengthen mentorship and groom the next generation of public servants.
- The interactive session was part of Abel's staff interaction series at the OHCSF, following earlier sessions with junior- and mid-level officers.
- The engagement aimed to improve efficiency and service delivery in line with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda.
