Can a woman rise to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s civil service and transform an entire institution in a system long dominated by men? Didi Esther Walson‑Jack answers that question with authority, vision, and unwavering professionalism. From her early beginnings in Port Harcourt to her current role as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, her career reflects disciplined service, strategic foresight, and transformative leadership. In a field where challenges are immense and expectations high, she embodies what it truly means to lead with competence and purpose.
Born on August 27, 1966, Walson‑Jack’s formative years were shaped by communities that valued education, integrity, and hard work. She earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987, laying the foundation for a career defined by professionalism and resilience. Even in the early stages of her journey, it was clear that her trajectory would not be ordinary.
Her rise through the ranks was deliberate and exemplary. Beginning as a State Counsel in Rivers State in 1992, she later played a pivotal role in the establishment of Bayelsa State’s legal and administrative framework. As she helped shape new systems and structures, Walson‑Jack demonstrated a rare combination of legal acumen, strategic thinking, and administrative precision. These qualities would later define her tenure at the federal level.
In 2009, she transitioned to the Federal Civil Service, where her portfolio spanned critical ministries including Justice, Niger Delta Affairs, Power, Water Resources, and Education. Her leadership in these roles was marked by innovation, policy insight, and a commitment to institutional strengthening. By 2017, her record earned her the appointment as Federal Permanent Secretary, a position that allowed her to influence national policies and advocate reforms with credibility and impact.
Her appointment as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in August 2024 was both a recognition of her competence and a call to drive institutional transformation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu entrusted her to lead a service historically criticized for bureaucracy and inertia. Walson‑Jack approached the challenge with pragmatism and vision, emphasizing digitization, accountability, and efficiency as cornerstones of modern public administration.
Under her leadership, the civil service has begun to experience meaningful reform. From championing digital tools and workflow optimization to promoting staff welfare and meritocracy, she has redefined standards for leadership within the public sector. Her approach is systematic, professional, and results-oriented, demonstrating that effective leadership is not about position alone, but about action, strategy, and integrity.
Beyond her impressive titles and accolades, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Walson‑Jack remains a source of inspiration. A mother, grandmother, and author of Roses in the Thorns, she embodies resilience, commitment, and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that women in leadership are not just participants. They are transformative forces capable of shaping institutions, setting new standards, and inspiring generations.
