On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, President Bola Tinubu appointed Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to a release by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga the appointment takes effect from August 27, 2026.
It was gathered that Enitan will succeed Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
At the moment, Enitan, an indigene of Osun State, is the permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
According to Onanuga, Enitan will bring extensive institutional experience and a deep understanding of the Federal Civil Service to the position.
“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 his good wishes to Walson-Jack while thanking her for her service to the country and the reforms and innovations recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure.
The president wished her “a fulfilling and successful life after service” and conveyed the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated and impactful public service.
The president further urged Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is “professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.”
Ten things you should know about Enitan
1. He was born on December 12, 1966.He is an indigene of Osun state.
2. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
3. The New Head of service attended the University of Lagos, where he graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking.
4. In 2015, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.
5. Prior to his appointment as HOCSF, he served as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
With his new appointment, his new his career has taken him through several strategic government institutions, thereby giving him experience in different areas of public administration.
6. At the time of his appointment, he was the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, having served in the position for seven years and seven months.His huge and rich experience across ministries and government offices is expected to be useful as he assumes responsibility for coordinating the Federal Civil Service.
7. Enitan spent seven years and seven months as a Permanent Secretary.
At the time of his service as Permanent Secretary he served in many ministries including the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Office of the Vice President and Federal Ministry of Education.
8. With the new posting as the HOCSF, it is expected that Enitan will provide leadership and coordination across the Federal Civil Service.
9. His new office plays a central role in strengthening professionalism, efficiency, accountability and institutional performance across government ministries, departments and agencies. His rich experience is expected to turn things better.
10 .Enitan will assume office on August 27, 2026, succeeding Walson-Jack, who is retiring after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.
