Tinubu Appoints Abel Enitan as New Head of Civil Service of the Federation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective August 27, 2026.

Enitan, who is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, will succeed Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Enitan is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service and has spent seven years and seven months at the Permanent Secretary level.

During his career, he has served in several key government institutions, including the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.

The presidency said his experience across different arms of government has equipped him with extensive knowledge of the operations and institutional structure of the Federal Civil Service.

President Tinubu commended the outgoing Head of Service, Walson-Jack, for what he described as her distinguished service to the nation.

The President also acknowledged the reforms, innovations and other developments recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure, while wishing her a fulfilling life after retirement.

The President charged Enitan to build on the reforms already underway in the Federal Civil Service while strengthening professionalism, efficiency and accountability across the system.

He further tasked the incoming Head of Service with leading a merit-driven, innovative and responsive Civil Service capable of effectively implementing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President said the Civil Service must remain responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians and deliver public services more effectively.

Enitan, who is from Osun State, was born on December 12, 1966.

He attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking in 1988.

In 2015, he obtained a Master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.

With his appointment taking effect on August 27, Enitan is expected to assume responsibility for coordinating and driving the Federal Government’s civil service reform agenda.

His appointment comes as the administration continues efforts to modernise the public service and improve the efficiency and delivery of government programmes.