President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with effect from August 27, 2026.
Enitan will succeed Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
The appointment was announced by the Presidency on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Enitan is currently the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service and brings extensive administrative experience to his new position.
A native of Osun State, Enitan has served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, during which he worked in several critical areas of government.
His previous postings include the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President. He currently serves as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
The Presidency said his years of service across various ministries and government offices had given him considerable institutional knowledge and a broad understanding of the operations of the Federal Civil Service.
“Mr Enitan, from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service,” the statement said.
“He has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, working at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.”
With his appointment, Enitan is expected to provide administrative leadership to the Federal Civil Service and contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen efficiency, professionalism and accountability across government institutions.
President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Walson-Jack, for what he described as her distinguished service and contributions to the development of the Nigerian civil service.
According to the Presidency, Walson-Jack’s tenure witnessed several reforms, innovations and efforts aimed at improving the effectiveness of the public service.
Tinubu thanked her for her dedication to the country and wished her a fulfilling and successful life after retirement.
The President also charged the incoming Head of the Civil Service to build on the reforms and innovations already underway within the service.
He directed Enitan to deepen professionalism and efficiency across the civil service and strengthen its capacity to respond effectively to the needs of Nigerians.
The President further called on the incoming civil service chief to promote a public service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative and responsive to the aspirations of citizens.
The appointment comes at a time when the Federal Government is pursuing reforms aimed at improving public-sector performance and ensuring that government institutions are better positioned to implement national policies and programmes.
As Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Enitan will play a central role in coordinating the administrative machinery of government and supporting the effective implementation of policies across ministries, departments and agencies.
His experience in several strategic government establishments is expected to be valuable in carrying out the responsibilities associated with the office.
Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He began his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, before proceeding to the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He later attended the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking in 1988.
In 2015, he earned a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.
His academic background in finance, banking and public policy, combined with his extensive experience in the federal bureaucracy, forms part of the credentials he brings to his new assignment.
The appointment also places Enitan at the head of the administrative structure responsible for coordinating the career civil service and ensuring continuity in government operations irrespective of changes in political leadership.
President Tinubu’s directive that he consolidate existing reforms signals an expectation that the Federal Civil Service will continue its transition towards a more efficient and performance-oriented institution.
The President also stressed the importance of accountability and responsiveness, urging Enitan to ensure that the civil service remains focused on delivering quality public services to Nigerians.
Enitan is expected to formally assume office on August 27, 2026, following the retirement of Walson-Jack.
The Presidency expressed confidence that his experience, seniority and institutional knowledge would assist the Federal Government in advancing its administrative reform agenda.
The appointment has consequently placed renewed attention on the role of the civil service in implementing the administration’s development programmes and translating government policies into tangible outcomes for citizens.
As he prepares to take over the leadership of the Federal Civil Service, Enitan will be expected to work with Permanent Secretaries, directors and other senior officials to strengthen institutional efficiency, promote merit and professionalism, and improve coordination across government ministries and agencies.
The Presidency said the new Head of the Civil Service should also build a culture of innovation and accountability capable of improving the quality of public service delivery.
With his assumption of office scheduled for August 27, Enitan’s tenure is expected to focus on consolidating ongoing reforms while ensuring that the Federal Civil Service remains responsive to the changing needs and expectations of Nigerians.
