President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abel Enitan as the next Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with his tenure beginning on August 27, 2026.
Enitan is set to take over from Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who will retire after attaining the compulsory retirement age of 60.
The new appointee, an Osun State indigene, currently serves as Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education. He is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
His public service career as a Permanent Secretary spans seven years and seven months, with previous postings to the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to Onanuga, Enitan’s experience across government gives him a strong understanding of the Federal Civil Service and its operations.
“Mr Enitan, from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
“He brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility,” the statement read.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to Walson-Jack for her contribution to the country, particularly the reforms and new initiatives recorded under her leadership.
The President wished her “a fulfilling and successful life after service” and praised her years of dedicated public service.
He directed Enitan to build on the reforms already introduced, raise the standard of professionalism and improve efficiency throughout the Federal Civil Service.
Tinubu also called on him to lead a service that is “professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.”
Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan attended Ajibode Grammar School in Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife, for his secondary education.
He later studied Finance and Banking at the University of Lagos, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1988.
He obtained a Master of Science in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia, in 2015.
Enitan will officially assume the top civil service position on August 27, following Walson-Jack’s retirement.