President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The appointment is scheduled to take effect from August 27, 2026.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement released from the State House.
Enitan will take over from the outgoing Head of Service, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is set to retire after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
According to the Presidency, Enitan who hails from Osun State, is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education. He is also the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
DailyVista247 gathered that he has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, with postings in key ministries including the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President.
With his years of service across major government institutions, Enitan is expected to bring extensive experience and deep understanding of the Federal Civil Service to his new role.
President Tinubu commended the outgoing Head of Service, Didi Walson-Jack, for her commitment and distinguished service to the nation. He noted the reforms and innovations recorded in the civil service during her tenure.
The President wished her a peaceful and fulfilling retirement, while expressing appreciation for her years of dedicated service to the country.
President Tinubu urged the incoming Head of Service to consolidate on ongoing reforms and promote a more professional and efficient civil service.
He also charged him to lead a civil service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians, in line with the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The appointment of Enitan is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the civil service and ensure continuity in the implementation of key government policies and reforms.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation plays a critical role in coordinating government policies, ensuring effective service delivery, and driving reforms across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking from the University of Lagos in 1988, and later earned a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University.
The Presidency expressed confidence that Enitan will bring his wealth of experience to bear in repositioning the civil service for greater efficiency and productivity.
