By Stella Odueme
Nigeria is set to host the 2026 International Civil Service Conference (ICSC), a major global gathering of public service leaders, governance experts, reform advocates and development partners, with a focus on strengthening public administration through reforms, resilience and measurable results.
The conference, organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, will take place in Abuja on May 20 and 21, 2026, under the theme “Reforms, Resilience and Results.”
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, the event was described as a high-level platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and strategic collaboration among civil service institutions worldwide.
A key highlight of the conference will be its formal opening by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to civil service transformation, institutional excellence and results-driven governance.
The conference, now in its second edition, is expected to attract senior government officials, heads of civil service institutions, development partners, policy experts and representatives of international organisations from across Africa and other regions.
Delegates from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Switzerland, Ghana,
The Gambia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Algeria, Sudan and Indonesia are expected to participate.
The event will feature plenary sessions, technical roundtables, fireside conversations and interactive engagements aimed at generating practical solutions for modernising public service systems. Discussions will centre on institutional reform, digital transformation, leadership, workforce development, innovation, accountability and improved service delivery.
Organisers said the conference will also provide networking opportunities for delegates and stakeholders to build strategic alliances for sustainable public service transformation.
An exhibition segment is expected to showcase innovative solutions, digital transformation initiatives, institutional best practices and service offerings from participating organisations and agencies.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said the conference comes at a crucial time for advancing reforms and building a more agile, accountable and citizen-centred public service.
She noted that the gathering would highlight practical reforms and strategies that have strengthened institutional resilience while improving governance and service delivery.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation said it remains committed to delivering a world-class conference that will deepen global partnerships, advance reform conversations and set a renewed agenda for resilient and results-oriented public service delivery.
