On August 14, 2024, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, assumed office as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation after her appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
She took over from Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, who retired on August 13, 2024.
The appointment of Walson-Jack considered to be very significant in many respect recognizes Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack's extensive and distinguished career in public service, marked by her exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the development of Nigeria's civil service.
Her journey to the apex of her career as a federal civil servant started on August 17, 2017, when she was appointed as Federal Permanent Secretary.
She went on to serve in several Ministries, most recently as the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
In her role as Accounting Officer and Chief Policy Adviser, she has successfully spearheaded the effective implementation of approved policies, priorities, and ministerial mandates, navigating new challenges within the education sector with remarkable adeptness.
Mainly, her illustrious public service career began as a State Counsel in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice. Following the creation of Bayelsa State in October 1996, she transferred her service and became one of the pioneer staff of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Justice and the nascent Bayelsa State Civil Service.
With a robust background in law, legislative drafting, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding, Mrs. Walson-Jack brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her new position as head of the nation's civil service.
Walson-Jack's career has been graced with remarkable contributions across various tiers and arms of government.
She has served in both the executive and legislative branches, and her roles have spanned state and federal levels. As the only certified Legal Drafter in the newly created Bayelsa State, she established and administered the Legal Drafting Department of the Ministry of Justice and the Legal Department of the State House of Assembly, drafting all edicts promulgated by Military Administrators from 1996 to 1999 and executive bills enacted as laws by the State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2002.
Her exemplary service in Bayelsa State is highlighted by her roles as Solicitor-General, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, and various other significant positions.
Notably, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Directorate of Citizens Rights and securing the financial independence of the Administrator-General’s Department in Bayelsa State.
In the Federal Civil Service, Mrs. Walson-Jack began as an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, where she was promoted to Deputy Director.
Her secondment to the Bayelsa State Government further demonstrated her ability to contribute to good governance, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff, pioneer Commissioner of Science, Technology and Manpower Development, and Chief of Staff Government House.
Her contributions to public service have been recognized with numerous awards, including African Iconic Female Administrator of the Year (2024), Award of Excellence by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs & the Wife of the Governor of Bayelsa State (2019), and the Public Administrator of the Year for Bayelsa State (2008).
Additionally, she is a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Nigeria's foremost public policy think tank.
Mrs. Walson-Jack is also an accomplished author, known for her best-selling autobiography, "Roses in the Thorns," which chronicles her journey of resilience and triumph.
In recognition of her exemplary service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack was awarded Nigeria's National Honour, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
She is married to Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack and a proud mother of two.
