The Federal Government has engaged the services of Philips Consulting and other human resource firms to conduct a comprehensive verification of civil service personnel records.
The exercise is aimed at updating personnel records, identifying skills gaps within the civil service, and supporting workforce reforms.
The verification exercise will run from October 16 to November 14, 2025, and will be conducted across all ministries, departments, and agencies, including federal offices in the diaspora. According to an internal memo signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, all civil servants are enjoined to cooperate fully by presenting themselves for verification and providing accurate information as required.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation described the initiative as a foundational reform project under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025. “This project will give us what we have long needed – a credible and verifiable personnel database that captures not just numbers, but also skills, competencies, and workforce distribution across ministries, departments, and agencies,” Walson-Jack said.
The data gathered from the exercise will support evidence-based planning, targeted training, strategic deployment, and transparent succession planning. Walson-Jack noted that the outcome of the verification would inform future decisions on recruitment, promotions, postings, training, and succession across the federal civil service.
The verification exercise is part of the government’s efforts to enhance professionalism and improve service delivery in the civil service. President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed a comprehensive Personnel and Salary System Governance Audit across the federal service to develop a more agile, competent, and responsive workforce.
The exercise is expected to help develop a more efficient and effective civil service, and provide a credible database for future planning and decision-making.