From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The comprehensive 148-page guide was presented to the Head of the Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, marking a major milestone in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service.

Developed by a dedicated committee, the Manual sets out clear and consistent standards for official writing across all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

It features six detailed chapters and 55 practical templates designed to address longstanding inconsistencies in government documents. The Manual covers essential protocols on formatting, referencing, digital communication, and the correct use of national symbols such as the Coat of Arms and National Flag.

At the presentation ceremony, Walson-Jack described the Manual as “a cornerstone for building a more responsive and citizen-centric civil service.”

She highlighted the adoption of British English standards and standardised templates as key steps to eliminate ambiguity and improve clarity in official correspondence.

She also outlined a structured implementation plan. This includes a service-wide validation process to gather input from stakeholders, followed by submission of the Manual for Presidential endorsement to formalise its status as a policy document. The Manual will be incorporated into civil service training programmes and reviewed every five years to maintain its relevance.

Permanent Secretary of the Service Policies and Strategies Office, Deborah Odoh, emphasised the Manual’s alignment with the Federal Government’s vision of a world-class civil service. She also acknowledged the support of the service-wide GPT platform in facilitating the committee’s work.

Chairman of the Writing Style Manual Development Committee and retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his support of reform efforts.

He praised Walson-Jack’s visionary leadership and active role in driving the civil service transformation agenda.

With nationwide adoption across all Federal MDAs, the Nigerian Public Service Writing Style Manual is poised to revolutionise official documentation by ensuring clarity, consistency, and professionalism in government communications. This initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to institutionalising best practices and strengthening public trust in governance.