The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack on Tuesday constituted 13-member committee to develop what she called, ‘Style Manual’ for the Federal Civil Service.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative, with 3 months timeline for completion, is to foster trust, transparency, and a culture of excellence within the service sector.
In addition, the style manual is to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of communication and documentation across the Federal Civil Service of Nigeria
Inaugurating the committee, Walson-Jack said the primary objective was to develop a comprehensive Style Manual that would serve as the guiding framework for all official communications/documentation across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
She explained that the responsibility of civil servants was expected to extend beyond executing policies, being custodians of the public’s trust, hence the need for more innovation to enhance services.
“It is my pleasure to address you today as we embark on a critical journey to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of communication and documentation across the Federal Civil Service of Nigeria.
“Through clear, accessible, and professional communication, we reinforce the government’s commitment to its people and through proper documentation, we preserve our nation’s institutional memory.
“The establishment of this committee is a pivotal step toward realising our vision of a modern, transparent, and efficient Civil Service, ” Walson-Jack explained.
“It is about standardising fonts, templates, stationery and writing style, it is about creating a standardised communication and documentation system for the Federal Civil Service, one that reflects our dedication to Service excellence, ” she said.
She outlined terms of reference for the committee to include: To identify and categorise the various types of instruments of communication in the Federal Civil Service, to develop communication templates for each of the identified categories.
Others were to review and make recommendations on the styles and elements of the identified means of communication with the view to standardising same, to define appropriate language use, including acceptable vocabulary, tone, and formality levels.
“In addition, to provide standardised formats for letters, memos, reports, circulars, and other official documents, among others.”
In response, Mr Olusade Adesola, Chairman of the committee and who is also a retired Permanent Secretary, expressed gratitude to the Head of service for the honour to chair the committee.
He pledged the committee’s commitment to deliver the task on time.
“I am graceful to the HOCSF for entrusting me with the responsibility and on behalf of the members, I want to assure you of our commitment to the success of this assignment.
“We are committed to develop a comprehensive manual that would enhance the clarity, coherence and consistency of official communication within the Federal Civil Service, ” he said. (NAN)
