President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has handed the leadership of Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service to Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, appointing him as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation with a mandate to strengthen professionalism, efficiency and accountability in government.
Enitan, the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, will assume office on August 27, 2026, following the retirement of the incumbent Head of Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to leave office after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The Presidency described Enitan as an experienced civil servant with extensive institutional knowledge, having served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months.
During his tenure as Permanent Secretary, Enitan served in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
His appointment comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to reposition the public service as a more efficient instrument for implementing government policies and delivering services to Nigerians.
President Tinubu directed the incoming Head of Service to sustain and build on existing reforms and innovations in the Civil Service, while deepening professionalism and efficiency.
He also tasked Enitan with leading a Civil Service that would be merit-driven, accountable and innovative, as well as responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
According to the President, the Civil Service under Enitan should become more effective and responsive in supporting the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu also commended the outgoing Head of Service, Walson-Jack, for what he described as her distinguished service to the nation and her contributions to reforms and innovations in the Civil Service.
The President expressed appreciation for the impact recorded during her tenure and wished her a fulfilling life after retirement.
Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan hails from Osun State. He attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a B.Sc. in Finance and Banking in 1988.
He later earned an M.Sc. in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia, in 2015.
With more than seven years of experience at the Permanent Secretary level and postings across key government institutions, Enitan is expected to bring his accumulated administrative experience to the leadership of the Federal Civil Service as he assumes office next week.
