By Emmanuel Kwada
The Carpooling Team, led by Mr. Terrang Musa, has emerged overall winner of the 5th edition of the Annual Federal Public Service Innovation Competition, clinching the coveted N5 million grand prize.
The innovation contest, organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), was held on Tuesday in Abuja as part of efforts to drive reform and innovation within the Nigerian civil service.
The Carpooling Team, comprising five members, impressed the panel with its groundbreaking idea, OfficeRideShare—a digital platform designed to facilitate shared transportation among civil servants, thereby reducing commuting costs and promoting environmental sustainability.
A key pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25), noting that innovation remains central to civil service transformation
Speaking at the award ceremony, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, described the competition as a key pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25), noting that innovation remains central to civil service transformation.
“By institutionalising this annual competition, we are reinforcing our commitment to building a future-ready and globally competitive civil service,” Walson-Jack stated.
She commended her predecessor, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, for launching the initiative in 2020, adding that it has since translated creative ideas into tangible solutions that improve service delivery and citizen engagement.
The HCSF also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for civil service reforms, saying his dedication continues to drive innovation and excellence across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Responding on behalf of the winning team, Musa described the experience as transformative, noting that the OfficeRideShare platform offers both financial and non-financial carpooling options for civil servants.
a user with a vehicle can be reimbursed by co-riders, while in other cases, driving responsibilities can be rotated to save costs
“For instance, a user with a vehicle can be reimbursed by co-riders, while in other cases, driving responsibilities can be rotated to save costs,” she explained.
The first and second runners-up received N3 million and N2 million respectively, while ten other teams were recognised with consolation prizes of N200,000 each.
Dignitaries present at the event included former Heads of the Civil Service, Mrs Amal Pepple and Mr Danladi Kifasi, among others.
