Tinubu Appoints Enitan New Head of Civil Service
By Matthew Eloyi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF).
Enitan’s appointment takes effect from August 27, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He succeeds Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
Enitan, who hails from Osun State, is currently the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He has spent seven years and seven months as a Permanent Secretary, serving at the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President before his current posting to the Federal Ministry of Education.
The Presidency said the new Head of Service brings extensive institutional experience and a deep understanding of the workings of the Federal Civil Service to the position.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Walson-Jack for her “distinguished service to the nation,” particularly her contributions to reforms, innovations and improvements recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure.
The President also wished the outgoing Head of Service a fulfilling and successful life after retirement, while expressing the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated public service.
Tinubu charged Enitan to consolidate the reforms and innovations already underway in the Civil Service, while deepening professionalism and efficiency across the service.
He further tasked the new HOCSF with building a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of supporting the delivery of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President urged Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He proceeded 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 of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.
His appointment places an experienced Permanent Secretary at the helm of the Federal Civil Service as the administration seeks to strengthen efficiency, professionalism and institutional delivery across government.