By Taiwo Scholarstica
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), with effect from August 27, 2026.
Enitan, who is 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 after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Enitan is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, having served at that level for seven years and seven months.
He previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President before his posting to the Ministry of Education.
The Presidency noted that his extensive experience within the public service will be valuable in his new role, particularly as the Federal Government seeks to strengthen efficiency and professionalism across public institutions.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Walson-Jack for her years of service and the reforms and innovations recorded within the Civil Service during her tenure.
The President acknowledged her contributions, describing her tenure as one that witnessed reforms, impact, and innovations across the service.
He also wished the outgoing Head of Service a fulfilling retirement and expressed the nation’s gratitude for her dedicated and impactful public service.
Tinubu charged the incoming HCSF to build on the reforms already introduced while ensuring that the service becomes more efficient and responsive to citizens.
The President specifically tasked Enitan with deepening professionalism and improving service delivery in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He urged the new Head of Service to lead a workforce that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.
Enitan’s appointment comes at a time when the Federal Government is placing renewed emphasis on institutional reforms and improving public service effectiveness.
The incoming HCSF is expected to leverage his extensive experience to strengthen inter-agency coordination while promoting accountability and operational efficiency across ministries, departments, and agencies.
Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan hails from Osun State. He completed his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He later attended 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, Keffi.
With his assumption of office scheduled for August 27, Enitan is expected to steer Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service through a critical phase of ongoing reforms, consolidating progress and fostering a responsive administrative structure.