The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has held a one-day sensitization programme aimed at encouraging staff to embrace innovation, creativity and continuous improvement in service delivery.
Anchored by the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, the initiative aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25), in line with the Government’s vision to foster a culture of innovation across all public institutions.
Speaking during the programme, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, underscored the centrality of innovation in driving efficiency and creating a more engaging workplace. He noted that new ideas spark energy, improve performance, and strengthen the Ministry’s ability to meet its service charter to Nigerians. “When we have new ideas, we get new energy, we are able to perform better, and also able to satisfy our charter of service to Nigerians,” he said.
Belgore expressed optimism that the Ministry would not only generate impactful ideas but also compete strongly in future national innovation challenges. He urged staff to embrace technology-driven solutions, stressing that innovation is vital for effective governance and improved service outcomes.
Earlier, Mrs. Ibifuro Philips-Ogoniba, Head of the Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, explained that the sensitization was part of the Ministry’s 2025 work plan to embed innovative principles in daily operations.
Presentations at the programme highlighted practical approaches to fostering creativity in the public service. Mr. Henry Nwaedo of the Head of Service’s Innovation Department introduced participants to Design Thinking as a tool for identifying gaps and designing solutions. Meanwhile, Mr. Micheal Ojiyovwi, Managing Director of Hitech Integrated Services Ltd, emphasized the critical role of ICT infrastructure in enabling innovation across government institutions.
The session drew directors, departmental heads, staff, and representatives from the Head of Service of the Federation as well as the private sector, all of whom reaffirmed the need for innovation as a driver of transformation in Nigeria’s housing and urban development sector.
