FG Begins Nationwide Audit of Civil Servants, Links Records to BVN, NIN

The Federal Government has commenced a comprehensive personnel audit and skills gap analysis across the civil service as part of efforts to modernize and improve efficiency.

The initiative, approved under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was formally launched on Wednesday with the inauguration of the Steering and Project Implementation Committees by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Dr. Didi Walson-Jack.

According to a statement signed by Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the HCSF, the audit will determine the size, structure, and skills composition of the workforce, while also identifying the competencies required to meet future service demands.

A key feature of the exercise is the creation of a verified digital personnel database, linking each civil servant’s record to their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN). The move is expected to eliminate ghost workers, resolve inconsistencies in staff records, and provide an accurate workforce profile.

“The initiative will also help identify skills gaps in critical areas such as ICT, project management, public finance, and data analysis,” Walson-Jack stated. She added that the audit would strengthen training programmes, enhance Human Resource Management systems through the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS), and deliver efficiency gains by blocking leakages and redundancies.

Walson-Jack emphasized that the exercise is developmental rather than punitive, noting that it is designed to reposition the civil service for present and future challenges.

The Steering Committee, chaired by the HCSF, includes key permanent secretaries, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Director-General of the Budget Office, representatives from the Presidency, and relevant consultants.

In addition, the Project Implementation Committee—chaired by Dr. Danjuma Kalba, Permanent Secretary, Common Services, Office of the HCSF—will comprise senior directors, representatives of the Accountant-General’s office, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and retired senior officers. The team will be responsible for methodology validation, data collection, compliance checks, and reporting.

Both committees have been directed to begin work immediately. The Steering Committee is expected to conclude its work within six months, while the Implementation Committee is scheduled to deliver its report in four months.

Dr. Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies, described the reform as a “step towards an efficient, productive, and accountable civil service.” Kalba also commended President Tinubu for approving what he called a bold reform consistent with the fRenewed Hope Agenda.