By Lizzy Chirkpi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), effective August 27, 2026.
Enitan, currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, will succeed Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Enitan, an indigene of Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
He has served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, during which he was posted to the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President before his current assignment at the Federal Ministry of Education.
President Tinubu said Enitan’s extensive experience across various strategic government institutions would be valuable in his new role.
The President charged the incoming Head of Service to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations while strengthening professionalism, efficiency and accountability across the Civil Service.
He also urged Enitan to build “a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Tinubu further directed the incoming HOCSF to lead a Civil Service that is “professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.”
The President commended Walson-Jack for what he described as her “distinguished service to the nation”, noting the reforms, innovations and impact recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure.
He wished the outgoing Head of Service “a fulfilling and successful life after service” and expressed the nation’s appreciation for her years of dedicated public service.
Profile of the Incoming Head of Service
Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He proceeded to 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.
With more than seven years of experience as a Permanent Secretary and postings across several strategic government institutions, Enitan brings extensive administrative and policy experience to the leadership of Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service.
His appointment comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to strengthen public-sector reforms, improve service delivery and reposition the Civil Service for greater efficiency in implementing its policies and programmes.