By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

In a bold move to foster leadership excellence and accountability within Nigeria’s public sector,
the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), in partnership with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, has launched the line managers onboarding training, a capacity-building initiative aimed at equipping supervisors with the skills to effectively induct and support new hires across the public service.

The training targets Directors of human resources, deputy directors of staff welfare and training across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the directors of the employee mobility and learning & development departments, and staff of the career management office of the OHCSF. It focuses on strengthening leadership, communication, and accountability, keys to improving team performance and retention within the service.

This initiative builds on a 2023 Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation-backed study that found that the quality of supervision during a public servant’s early years has a direct impact on their long-term productivity, engagement, and sense of purpose in public service.

Speaking on the initiative, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice-Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, said: “Every great institution depends on the strength of its people, and in the public service, line managers hold the key to shaping that strength. When supervisors are well-equipped to guide and inspire, they set the tone for a culture of excellence that directly impacts how government serves its citizens.” She said.

The two-day workshop, facilitated by public administration experts including Dr Aung Hein of Durham University, England, UK, Professor Isaac Obasi of the University of Abuja, and Chioma Njoku, Director of Programmes at the foundation, focuses on practical leadership, communication, and accountability tools to help line managers strengthen induction and mentoring systems. Participants will also explore strategies for embedding professional values, fostering initiatives, and improving team performance across government institutions.

Dr. Aung Hein, Assistant Professor in Public Policy at Durham University, noted: “When new talent joins the Civil Service, their first experience often determines their entire career trajectory. Effective supervision during onboarding can make the difference between a motivated workforce and one struggling with low morale and high turnover.”

The line managers’ onboarding training supports the implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP25), which prioritises professionalisation and leadership development across all levels of government.

The initiative also reflects the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s ongoing commitment to public sector reform and institutional excellence through leadership training, digital upskilling, and evidence-based policy interventions.

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede to improve the lives of Africans through transformed public service delivery and increased access to quality primary healthcare.

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation accomplishes its mission by supporting the reform initiatives of public sector entities, providing financing, consulting support, and capacity-building programmes and resources for the public sector workforce. The foundation provides funding and strategic support to drive the work of affiliate organisations such as ABC Health, the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), the Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF), and others.