*Photo: Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni*
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF)
has announced that Nigeria will host the 2026 International Civil Service Conference (ICSC), a premier global platform that brings together Public Service leaders, reform champions, governance experts, development partners and thought leaders committed to shaping the future of public administration.
The announcement was in a press statement by Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director, Press and Public Relations, OHCSF.
The Conference, scheduled to hold in Abuja, on Wednesday, 20 and Thursday, 21 May 2026, will be convened under the theme, “Reforms, Resilience and Results.” As the second edition of the ICSC, this year’s gathering will provide a high-level platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and strategic collaboration on how Civil Services across the world can adapt to emerging realities, strengthen institutional resilience and deliver measurable impact for citizens.
A major highlight of the Conference will be its formal opening by His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, underscoring the priority placed by the Federal Government on Civil Service transformation, institutional excellence and results-driven governance.
The event will convene senior government officials, Heads of Civil Service institutions, development partners, policy experts, reform practitioners and representatives of international organisations from Africa and beyond. Delegates and representatives from several countries, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Switzerland, Ghana, The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Algeria, Sudan and Indonesia, are expected to participate, further strengthening the Conference’s growing global relevance and international outlook.
The 2026 ICSC will feature high-level plenary sessions, technical roundtables, fireside conversations and interactive engagements designed to generate practical solutions for modernising Public Service systems. These sessions will focus on institutional reform, digital transformation, leadership, workforce development, performance management, innovation, accountability and improved service delivery.
The Conference will also provide robust networking opportunities for delegates, partners and stakeholders to deepen collaboration, share best practices and build strategic alliances for sustainable Public Service transformation.
In addition, the Conference will feature exhibition booths showcasing innovative solutions, digital transformation initiatives, institutional best practices and service offerings from participating organisations, agencies and partners. This will provide a unique opportunity for visibility, partnership, knowledge exchange and practical demonstration of tools that can enhance governance and service delivery.
Speaking ahead of the Conference, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, described the ICSC as a timely platform for strengthening reform momentum and advancing a Public Service that is agile, accountable, innovative and citizen-centred.
According to her, the Conference will spotlight practical reforms and transformative strategies that have strengthened resilience within public institutions, while driving tangible results in governance, institutional performance and service delivery.
Mrs. Walson-Jack also expressed profound appreciation to sponsors, development partners and supporting organisations whose collaboration and commitment are critical to the successful hosting of the Conference and to the broader advancement of Public Service transformation.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class Conference that will strengthen global partnerships, deepen reform conversations and set a renewed agenda for resilient, innovative and results-oriented Public Service delivery.