President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective August 27, 2026.
The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement issued on August 19, 2026.
The appointment comes as Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack prepares to retire from the Federal Civil Service upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 60. Mrs. Walson-Jack has served in a distinguished capacity during her tenure, overseeing reforms, innovations, and impactful initiatives within the Civil Service.
Mr. Enitan’s Background and Career Trajectory
Mr. Enitan, a native of Osun State, currently holds the position of the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. His extensive career spans over seven years and seven months, during which he has contributed to critical ministries and offices, including:
- The Ministry of Police Affairs;
- The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs;
- The Office of the Vice President; and
- The Federal Ministry of Education, where he currently serves as Permanent Secretary.
His deep institutional knowledge and experience position him as a strong leader to take on the responsibilities of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
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President Tinubu emphasized the importance of consolidating ongoing reforms and innovations within the service, ensuring a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of advancing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
President Tinubu’s Remarks and Appreciation
In his statement, President Tinubu expressed his profound appreciation to Mrs. Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation. He acknowledged her contributions to the reforms, impact, and innovations witnessed during her tenure, stating:
“The President expresses his profound appreciation to Mrs. Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation and for the reforms, impact, and innovations witnessed in the Civil Service during her tenure.”
The President also wished her a fulfilling and successful life after retirement and conveyed the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated and impactful public service.
Addressing Mr. Enitan, President Tinubu charged him to:
- Consolidate the reforms and innovations already underway;
- Deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service; and
- Build a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President further urged Mr. Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
Mr. Enitan’s Educational Background
Born on December 12, 1966, Mr. Enitan’s educational journey reflects his commitment to excellence. He completed his secondary education at:
- Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan; and
- College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He later pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, graduating in 1988 with a B.Sc. in Finance and Banking.
In 2015, he furthered his academic pursuits by obtaining an M.Sc. in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.
The announcement underscores the administration’s commitment to continuity, professionalism, and transformative leadership within Nigeria’s Civil Service.