The Federal Government has introduced a unified writing style manual for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in a bid to professionalise and harmonise public service communication.
The landmark document, known as the Nigerian Public Service Writing Style Manual, was formally presented to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, during an unveiling ceremony held in Abuja on Friday.
Developed by a dedicated committee, the 148-page manual comprises six chapters and includes 55 practical templates. It provides comprehensive guidelines for drafting official documents, covering formatting, referencing, digital communication, and appropriate use of national symbols like the Coat of Arms and National Flag.
Mrs. Walson-Jack described the manual as a critical reform tool that will foster a citizen-focused and responsive civil service. “This document is a cornerstone for building a more responsive and citizen-centric civil service,” she said, stressing its alignment with British English standards and clarity in official correspondence.
The Head of Service outlined a phased implementation plan starting with a service-wide validation process, followed by a presentation to the President for endorsement. Once adopted, it will be integrated into civil service training curricula and reviewed every five years to maintain its relevance.
Dr. Deborah Odoh, Permanent Secretary of the Service Policies and Strategies Office, noted that the initiative reflects the government’s ambition to establish a world-class public service. She also credited the GPT-powered service-wide digital platform for aiding the manual’s development.
Chairman of the Writing Style Manual Development Committee, Mr. Olusade Adesola, OON, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for creating an environment that supports reform. He also lauded Mrs. Walson-Jack for her leadership and dedication to modernising the civil service.
The launch of the writing manual marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to entrench consistency, enhance professionalism, and build public trust through improved communication standards in the public sector.
