The Federal Ministry has organised a training programme on innovation for its agencies, as part of efforts to strengthen ongoing reforms and improve service delivery across the public service.
The Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Mrs. Gloria-Vera C. Azoro, who addressed participants on Monday, described innovation as a practical tool for driving change in government operations, explaining that it involves improving existing processes or introducing new ideas to make services more efficient, timely, and cost-effective.
Mrs. Azoro said the training was designed to equip officers with the mindset and skills needed to rethink how work is done, stressing that the exercise requires both critical thinking and openness to new approaches.
She expressed satisfaction with the participation of all six agencies under the Ministry and acknowledged the Permanent Secretary for approving the programme.
To sustain innovation efforts, the Director urged agencies yet to establish Innovation Units to do so without delay, and called for the setting up of Innovation Committees with representatives drawn from all departments. She said this would help embed a culture of innovation across the system and encourage broader staff participation.
Mrs. Azoro also advised participants to carry their management along in all reform initiatives and to introduce regular innovation-driven activities including quarterly challenges to generate practical solutions to institutional problems.
She encouraged participants to engage actively with the sessions and apply the lessons in their respective agencies.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to building a more responsive and efficient public service through sustained reform and innovation.
Earlier in the programme, Dr. John Magbadelo, a former Director of Civil Service Transformation at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), presented a paper titled Prospects and Challenges of Innovation in Nigeria’s Public Service. He argued that the Nigerian Federal Public Service has demonstrated responsiveness to operational transformation over the years, moving from analogue systems to digitalised work processes.
He noted that the ongoing digital revolution in the Federal Civil Service, which commenced in 2016, has since extended to all levels of Nigeria’s public service.
A second keynote address by Mr. Henry Nwaedo of the Service Innovation Department, OHCSF, titled *Driving Public Sector Transformation: The Strategic Role of Innovation Divisions in Ministries and MDAs, underscored that improved governance and service delivery can be achieved by fostering a culture of innovation, driving the implementation of ideas, and supporting policy reforms.
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