President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abel Enitan as the next Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with his tenure scheduled to begin on August 27.
Enitan will take over from Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60.
The appointment was announced by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga in Abuja on Wednesday.
Appointment Brings the Most Senior Permanent Secretary to the Top Job
Enitan, who is from Osun State, enters the position with extensive experience at the highest levels of the federal bureaucracy.
The Presidency described him as the most senior Permanent Secretary currently serving in the Federal Civil Service, noting that he has spent seven years and seven months in the rank.
He currently serves as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
A Career Spanning Several Key Government Institutions
Before his current posting, Enitan served in several strategically important parts of the Federal Government.
His previous assignments included the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.
The Presidency said this background has given him substantial institutional knowledge and a detailed understanding of how the Federal Civil Service operates.
Tinubu Sets Out Priorities for the New Head of Service
President Tinubu has tasked Enitan with building on reforms already introduced across the civil service rather than starting from scratch.
The President specifically called for the incoming Head of Service to strengthen existing reforms and innovations while improving professionalism, efficiency and responsiveness across government institutions.
He also urged Enitan to promote a civil service that is driven by merit and guided by accountability.
President Demands a More Responsive Public Service
Tinubu’s directive places a strong emphasis on how government services are delivered to Nigerians.
The President said the Civil Service under Enitan should be professional, innovative and accountable while remaining responsive to the needs and aspirations of citizens.
The new Head of Service will therefore be expected to balance continuity with further reforms as he assumes responsibility for the federal bureaucracy.
Walson-Jack Receives Presidential Appreciation
As Walson-Jack prepares to leave public service, Tinubu expressed his appreciation for her contribution during her tenure.
The President credited her administration with reforms, innovations and other impacts within the Civil Service and praised her years of dedicated service to the country.
He also wished the outgoing Head of Service success and fulfilment in retirement, while conveying the nation’s gratitude for her contribution to public administration.
Enitan’s Academic and Professional Background
Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan began his education in Ibadan and Ile-Ife.
He attended Ajibode Grammar School in Ibadan before proceeding to the College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife.
He later studied at the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking in 1988.
Further Training in Public Policy
Enitan expanded his academic background with postgraduate studies in public policy.
In 2015, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
His combination of financial training, public policy education and decades of government experience is expected to shape his approach to managing the federal civil service.
What the Change Means for the Federal Civil Service
The transition comes at a time when the Federal Government is continuing efforts to modernise public administration and improve the efficiency of government institutions.
Enitan’s long tenure as a Permanent Secretary means he is taking over with significant familiarity with the system, its procedures and the challenges confronting the bureaucracy.
His immediate challenge will be to maintain ongoing reforms while meeting the President’s expectations for a more efficient, merit-based and citizen-focused Civil Service.
Summary
Abel Enitan will become Nigeria’s new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on August 27, succeeding Didi Esther Walson-Jack following her retirement at the statutory age of 60.
As the Federal Civil Service’s most senior Permanent Secretary, Enitan brings more than seven years in the rank and experience across several major government institutions.
President Tinubu has directed him to deepen reforms, promote professionalism and accountability, and make the Civil Service more innovative and responsive to Nigerians.
