By Muhammad Mamman
The Federal Government has launched a sweeping personnel audit across the civil service, aimed at creating a centralised digital database linked to employees’ Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN). The move is designed to stamp out ghost workers and overhaul the system for greater efficiency.
Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), announced the initiative in a statement issued on Wednesday by Mrs Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations at the HCSF office in Abuja.
According to Walson-Jack, the audit forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, signalling a bold step towards building a professional, future-ready civil service.
She explained that the exercise will not only establish the true size and structure of the workforce but also assess skills, identify gaps, and determine the expertise required to meet emerging national needs.
“The database will eradicate ghost workers, correct irregularities in personnel records, and provide an accurate snapshot of the civil service,” the statement noted.
The exercise will also spotlight shortages in critical sectors, including ICT, project management, public finance, and data analytics—areas seen as vital for Nigeria’s transformation.
To drive the reform, Walson-Jack will chair a high-powered steering committee comprising key permanent secretaries, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Director-General of the Budget Office, representatives from the Presidency, and industry consultants.
