On Thursday, the federal government unveiled an extensive awareness campaign for the Personnel Audit and Skill Gap Analysis (PASGA) program, a strategic effort designed to boost the effectiveness of service delivery within the Federal Civil Service.
Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), underscored the necessity of a united approach involving Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Union leaders, and all personnel across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to guarantee comprehensive involvement and ownership of this transformative project.
In the past, the Federal Civil Service has grappled with challenges stemming from disjointed and obsolete personnel records, which have led to inefficiencies, skill mismatches, and occasionally, corrupt practices within the system.
Walson-Jack explained that the PASGA initiative aims to improve the precision and dependability of personnel information, align workforce capabilities with organizational needs, and foster a culture of data-driven human resource management throughout the Federal Civil Service.
“This initiative represents a pivotal step in our shared mission to evolve the Civil Service into a more efficient, accountable, and technologically advanced institution,” she affirmed.
She added that PASGA is an integral part of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP25), highlighting the government’s commitment to innovation, talent maximization, and institutional excellence, in harmony with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Reflecting on the critical role of data, Walson-Jack stated, “Accurate data is the cornerstone for effective planning, deployment, and decision-making.”
“Through PASGA, we are setting a new standard-one that emphasizes transparency, data accuracy, and performance-driven outcomes.”
She assured that this reform will yield precise personnel records, uncover existing skill gaps, and enable focused training and strategic redeployment to align with the government’s dynamic goals.
Walson-Jack also commended the Permanent Secretary of the Common Services Office (CSO) and the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) for their diligent coordination and groundwork that have laid the foundation for this initiative.
“Your dedication exemplifies the collaboration and shared vision vital for sustaining the ongoing transformation of our Civil Service,” she noted.
Addressing civil servants, she declared, “This program boldly reaffirms our commitment to cultivating a Civil Service that is data-focused, merit-based, and future-ready.”
She urged the OHCSF Cluster Consultant, Knewrow Consulting, to carry out this nationwide project with utmost professionalism, integrity, and technical proficiency.
“The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) will be your primary liaison throughout this extensive Service-wide exercise,” she confirmed.
“PASGA is more than a routine audit; it is a transformative instrument that will reshape our workforce by ensuring that appointments, promotions, and performance assessments are founded on reliable data and merit.”
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In his keynote remarks at the awareness event, Danjuma Usman, Permanent Secretary of Common Services, encouraged civil servants to actively collaborate with relevant authorities to guarantee the initiative’s success.
“Colleagues, PASGA is not merely an audit; it is a reform vehicle and a clear demonstration of our resolve to build a Service that is data-driven, meritocratic, and performance-focused,” he emphasized.
“By joining forces, we can uphold the Federal Civil Service as a model of efficiency, accountability, and innovation in public sector governance.”