By Ebi Kesiena
Nigeria’s Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Didi Walson-Jack, has urged the media to intensify scrutiny of the Federal Civil Service while sustaining accurate and constructive reporting of ongoing reforms.
Walson-Jack made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a special interactive session with media correspondents and editors at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF)
She stated that the media remained a critical partner in communicating the transformation taking place across the Federal Civil Service, noting that journalists had helped Nigerians better understand government policies, programmes and reform initiatives.
According to her, the media’s responsibility goes beyond reporting official statements, stressing the need for journalists to ask difficult questions, seek clarification and hold public institutions accountable.
“Strong institutions are not built through praise alone. They are strengthened by constructive criticism, informed scrutiny and continuous engagement,” she said.
The HCSF explained that the media’s coverage of various OHCSF engagements, including the International Civil Service Conference in 2025 and 2026, the Paperless Civil Service initiative and her First 100 Days in Office briefing, had helped take the reform narrative beyond government offices to citizens.
She said reports, features, interviews and analyses by correspondents had provided an important bridge between the Civil Service and Nigerians, while also ensuring that the achievements and challenges of the reform process received public attention.
Walson-Jack, who is approaching the end of her tenure, urged journalists to sustain what she described as “responsible, factual, balanced and constructive journalism” as the Civil Service continues its transformation.
She said the media should report achievements truthfully while interrogating challenges fairly, adding that journalists had a duty to help Nigerians understand the importance of a professional, efficient, productive, ethical, incorruptible and citizen-centred public service.
“The Civil Service reform story is still unfolding, and you are an important part of that story. There will be more milestones to celebrate, challenges to overcome and lessons to share,” she stated.
The HCSF also acknowledged the difficult questions posed by journalists during her tenure, explaining that such scrutiny had helped the Office reflect, communicate more effectively and improve its work.
She expressed appreciation for the media’s partnership over the past two years, describing the relationship between the OHCSF and journalists as one founded on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving Nigerians.
“Please keep asking the important questions. Keep telling the full story. Keep holding the Federal Civil Service to the highest standards,” Walson-Jack urged.
She however expressed confidence that the partnership between the OHCSF and the media would continue to grow stronger under her successors, while encouraging journalists to maintain accuracy, fairness and depth in reporting the Civil Service reform agenda.
