The plan was introduced at a stakeholder validation workshop held at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
At the event, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, announced that the FCSC will implement Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for all promotion examinations starting with the 2025 exercise. He emphasized that this digital shift aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the civil service.
Olaopa noted that previously, promotion exams were conducted only in Abuja, requiring workers from across the country to travel, which caused significant inconvenience. The adoption of CBT aligns with modern governance principles, making promotions more transparent and accountable.
He explained that these reforms follow President Bola Tinubu’s December 2023 directive to reposition the civil service as a driver of national growth. The new strategy will institutionalize performance-based systems, linking promotions and career progression to key performance indicators (KPIs), citizen feedback, and updated appraisal reports.
Additionally, Olaopa stated that the FCSC is collaborating with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to deepen reforms that strengthen the civil service and support Nigeria’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030 under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a goodwill message, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack—represented by Dr. Deborah Oyindamola Ninma Odoh—praised the initiative as a bold step toward inclusiveness and reform.
Permanent Secretary Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Phillip urged stakeholders to ensure the plan is practical and implementable, while the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, stressed the importance of inclusiveness and staff ownership for successful implementation.
The workshop included presentations by consultants Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Dr. Bert Odiaka, and Prof. Dele Olowu (joining virtually from Amsterdam). Attendees included current and retired permanent secretaries, civil society organizations, law enforcement agencies, finance and budget officials, and private sector representatives.