The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a new digital human resources platform alongside a mentoring scheme designed to modernise public service operations and accelerate leadership development.

The Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System Human Resources (IPPIS-HR) Employee self-service application was launched alongside a sensitisation campaign for the newly approved public service mentoring programme.

The dual initiatives were introduced during the civil service week event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

Read also:Civil service and reforms: The unspoken hurdle to Nigeria’s progress

Driving systemic and human innovation

Speaking at the launch, Nkiruka Jones-Nebo, permanent secretary of the Career Management Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, described the initiatives as essential pillars for the future of the civil service.

Highlighting the balance between technological upgrades and human capital, Jones-Nebo stated:

“Today’s programme brings together two strategic initiatives that are critical to the future of the Federal Civil Service, which is digital transformation and leadership development. These initiatives recognise the fact that effective institutions are built not only on sound systems and technology but also on capable, motivated and well-prepared people.”

Cutting bureaucracy via digital self-service

The newly introduced IPPIS-HR employee self-service application aims to streamline routine administrative tasks, minimise delays, and increase transparency across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Read also: Nigeria adopts AI-driven civil service overhaul to cut delays, lure investment

By giving both workers and managers direct access to information, the government expects a more agile workflow.

Explaining the operational benefits of the application, Jones-Nebo noted:

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“The IPPIS HR Module is designed to empower both employees and managers through self-service functionalities that simplify routine HR processes, reduce administrative delays and improve operational efficiency. More importantly, it aligns with our broader reform objectives of building a responsive, agile and technology-enabled Public Service capable of delivering quality services to citizens.”

Safeguarding institutional knowledge

Complementing the digital shift is the Public Service Mentoring Programme. Recently approved by the Federal Executive Council, this policy framework establishes a structured pathway for senior officials to pass down institutional knowledge and expertise to younger professionals.

Regarding the impact on succession planning, Jones-Nebo stated:

“The recent approval of the policy by the Federal Executive Council marks a major step in institutionalising mentoring as a critical tool for talent development, succession planning and knowledge management within the Federal Civil Service. Mentoring creates opportunities for experienced officers to guide, coach and support emerging leaders while ensuring a strong leadership pipeline for the future of the Service.”

A key feature of this strategy is the “Mentoring Marketplace”, which is designed to foster professional growth and prepare the workforce for modern governance challenges.

“The Mentoring Marketplace is more than a programme; it is an investment in the future of the Federal Public Service. It reflects our collective determination to cultivate excellence, strengthen leadership capacity and build a workforce that is equipped to meet present and future challenges,”  Jones-Nebo added.

A collaborative effort towards global competitiveness

The simultaneous rollout of these platforms forms part of a wider strategy by Didi Esther Walson-Jack, head of the civil service of the Federation to build a efficient and competitive public sector.

The ongoing reforms have drawn international attention, with a delegation from The Gambia recently visiting Nigeria to study the transformation models.

Jones-Nebo called on permanent secretaries, chief executives, and HR directors across all MDAs to champion the deployment of both initiatives. She also acknowledged the technical support provided by Soft Alliance and Resources Limited, as well as the contributions of management consultant Francisca Odeka in shaping the mentoring guidelines.

Ngozi Ekugo is a Senior Correspondent at BusinessDay. She holds a Masters in management from the University of Lagos, an undergraduate from University of Lagos, and is in an alumni of Queen's College. Shes currently an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). She has a brief experience at Goldman sachs, London in its Human Capital Management division. She is interested in human capital development and is leveraging her varied experience across sectors to report labour and global mobility trends for stakeholders to make informed decisions.

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