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A representative of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Fatima Sura, has said that the Nigerian civil service is playing a crucial role in driving productivity, attracting investment and supporting the overall growth of the economy.
Speaking on behalf of Didi Esther, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, at the 2025 Annual Directors Conference of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD Nigeria) themed “Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises,” Sura described the civil service as “the engine of governance and a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economic development.”
According to her, “Every reform, every policy and every national plan depends on the effectiveness of the civil service to turn ideas into impact. Through improved governance, digital innovation and institutionalisation of accountability, the civil service is helping to drive productivity, attract investment and support the overall growth of our economy.”
Sura noted that collaboration between the private and public sectors remains essential for national progress. “That is why this partnership between the CIoD and the civil service is so valuable,” she said. “When we combine the governance discipline of the corporate sector with the reform momentum of the public service, we create a stronger, smarter and more sustainable Nigeria.”
Reflecting on her leadership philosophy, Sura said her approach is “human-centred” and anchored on the personal values represented by the acronym HIDE — hard work, integrity, diligence and empathy. She added that her key performance indicators spell HEAL — help people, empower people, accept people and love people.
“HEAL expresses the human essence of leadership — that true progress is achieved when leaders help others to rise, empower them to contribute, advance their potential and lead and love with compassion,” she said. “When we lead by HIDE and lead by HEAL, we create workplaces that inspire excellence and nations that thrive on empathy and purpose.”
Sura urged Nigerian directors and leaders to embrace ethical leadership and integrity. “My charge to you today is this — lead with knowledge, lead with integrity, lead through change and let your leadership be a source of value not just for your organisations but for our nation,” she said, while commending CIoD Nigeria for “its partnership, dedication to good governance and role in shaping the next generation of ethical and visionary leaders.”
