The federal government has sought Singapore’s partnership to transform the nation’s civil service into a model of professionalism, efficiency and responsiveness.

Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), sought the partnership when she led a delegation to Singapore.

The delegation visited the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development in Singapore.

Ms Walson-Jack, in a statement by Eno Olotu, director of information and public relations in Abuja on Sunday, said the move was to learn from Singapore’s exemplary civil service.

She highlighted the critical importance of collaboration in advancing public service development in Nigeria.

According to her, the visit provided a significant opportunity for the delegation to draw insights and best practices in advancing civil service transformation in Nigeria.

She reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to global excellence in public service, pointing out that the Southeast Asian country was renowned worldwide for its efficiency, transparency, innovation and achievements in public sector transformation.

“The Nigerian delegation is eager to draw inspiration and insights from such successes to drive impactful changes in Nigeria’s civil service.

“The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening ties between  Nigeria’s civil service and Singapore.

“Not only that, both nations aim to establish a partnership between the Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development and the Public Service Institute of Nigeria.

“This collaboration will focus on joint training programmes, collaborative research, and sharing innovative solutions,” she said.

The HCSFA said the synergy between the two countries represents a beacon of hope for the quest to transform Nigeria’s civil service into a model of professionalism and efficiency.

She identified some key benefits of the partnership, including joint training programmes, collaborative research, and sharing innovative solutions.

Ms Walson-Jack said this would empower Nigeria’s civil servants with the needed knowledge and tools to excel.

She commended UNDP for facilitating the visit to the Global Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Sustainable Development, formerly the Global Centre for Public Service Excellence.

She expressed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing reforms and building partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of its public service.

The Nigerian delegation, comprising 20 Heads of State Civil Services, is the first batch in the first phase of a two-part initiative.

The initiative is designed to enhance Nigeria’s civil service by leveraging the globally renowned Singapore Public Service model, in line with 21st-century expectations.

(NAN)