President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, marking Enitan’s formal assumption of office following the retirement of his predecessor, Didi Walson-Jack.
Walson-Jack exited the Federal Civil Service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
A formal handover ceremony was also held on Thursday, during which Walson-Jack and Enitan signed the necessary documents. The outgoing Head of Service subsequently presented the official handover note to her successor.
While presenting the document, Walson-Jack said, “To hand over to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Enitan Abel, her handover note for the period covering Wednesday 14th August 2024 to 27 August 2026.”
After presenting the document, the two officials exchanged a handshake, marking the formal transfer of responsibilities to Enitan.
Enitan, who is from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He had served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months before his appointment.
He previously served at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President before becoming Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education.
President Tinubu had appointed Enitan on August 19, 2026, with the appointment taking effect on August 27.
In announcing the appointment, the President said Enitan “brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility.”
Tinubu charged the new Head of Service to consolidate the reforms and innovations already underway, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service.
The President further urged Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is “professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.”
Tinubu also expressed his appreciation to Walson-Jack for her service to the nation and for the “reforms, impact and innovations witnessed in the Civil Service during her tenure.”
