Enitan assumes office as new Head of Civil Service

Olufunso Enitan has assumed office as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), following the retirement of his predecessor, Didi Walson-Jack.

Enitan formally took the oath of office at a brief ceremony held at the State House in Abuja, marking the beginning of his tenure as the country’s top civil servant.

His appointment followed the retirement of Walson-Jack, who left office after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60.

The formal transfer of responsibility also took place on Thursday, with Walson-Jack and Enitan signing the relevant official documents before the outgoing Head of Service handed over the official transition note to her successor.

Presenting the document, Walson-Jack said it covered the period from August 14, 2024, to August 27, 2026.

The handover was subsequently sealed with a handshake between the outgoing and incoming Heads of Service.

Enitan, an indigene of Osun State, became the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service before his appointment as Head of Service.

He had served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, during which he held senior positions in several government establishments.

His previous postings included the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President, before his deployment as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.

Tinubu had on August 19, 2026, approved Enitan’s appointment as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with the appointment taking effect on August 27.

In announcing the appointment, the President said Enitan brought “considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works” to the position.

Tinubu charged the new Head of Service to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations in the civil service while deepening professionalism, efficiency and accountability across the system.

The President also tasked Enitan with ensuring that the Federal Civil Service remained professional, merit-driven, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

According to Tinubu, the new Head of Service must build on existing reforms to strengthen the capacity of the service to deliver effective and efficient public administration.

The President commended Walson-Jack for her service to the nation, particularly the reforms and innovations recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure.

Walson-Jack assumed office as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in August 2024 and retired after completing her statutory service.

Who is Abel Enitan?

Enitan was born on December 12, 1966, and began his education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, before proceeding to the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking from the University of Lagos in 1988 before joining the Federal Civil Service.

His extensive experience across several ministries and government institutions culminated in his emergence as the most senior Permanent Secretary prior to his appointment as Head of Service.

With his assumption of office, Enitan becomes responsible for providing administrative leadership to the Federal Civil Service and driving the implementation of government reforms aimed at improving efficiency, professionalism and service delivery.

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