We’re working to resolve salary disparities in civil service, Walson-Jack

Esther Walson-Jack, head of the service (HoS) of the federation, says efforts are ongoing to harmonise the salaries of civil servants in the country.

Walson-Jack spoke on Monday during a news conference in Abuja to mark her 100 days in office.

Walson-Jack, who succeeded Folashade Yemi-Esan following her retirement on August 12, said the federal government is fully engaged in addressing salary disparities within the civil service.

She confirmed that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) is actively working on the issue, adding that the presidential committee on salaries, of which she is a member, is committed to resolving all salary-related challenges.

“I know that the issue of salary harmonisation has been on for quite some time, and when I came in, I tried to find out where we are on that,” she said.

“I am aware that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) is working on it.

“I am also aware that there is a Presidential Committee on Salaries and being a member of that committee, I can assure you that it is working hard to deal with all the issues concerning salaries.”

Reflecting on her first 100 days, Walson-Jack emphasised the importance of continuity in the ongoing civil service reforms, particularly the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP 25).

She assured the public that reforms started by her predecessors would be sustained and accelerated under her leadership.

“I can assure you that we are working on the firm foundation that my immediate predecessor and the other former heads of civil service of the federation have laid,” she said.

“The first 100 days in office is a significant milestone. It offers an opportunity to reflect on the achievements recorded, perform a thorough audit of progress, and identify the goals ahead.

“It is also a time to pause and acknowledge the challenges we face, as well as reaffirm our shared resolve to overcome them.”

She added that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation is collaborating with her office to establish consumer credit system for civil servants.

She said the collaboration was initiated to improve civil servants’ access to affordable credit and enhance their welfare.