Tinubu appoints Abel Enitan as new Head of Civil Service of the Federation

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with the appointment taking effect on August 27, 2026.

Enitan will take over from Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is scheduled to retire from the Federal Civil Service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the new Head of Service was selected on the strength of his extensive experience within the Federal Civil Service.

According to Onanuga, Enitan, an indigene of Osun State, is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and ranks as the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

“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.

Enitan has spent seven years and seven months as a Permanent Secretary, during which he served in the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President before his current posting to the Ministry of Education.

Tinubu also commended the outgoing Head of Service, Walson-Jack, for her contributions to the Federal Civil Service, particularly the reforms and innovations recorded during her tenure.

The President wished her “a fulfilling and successful life after service” while expressing the nation’s appreciation for her years of dedicated and impactful public service.

As he prepares to assume office, Enitan has been tasked by the President with sustaining the reforms already introduced into the Civil Service while strengthening professionalism, efficiency and responsiveness across government institutions.

Tinubu further charged him to lead a Civil Service that is “professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.”

The President said the Federal Civil Service must remain capable of effectively implementing his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and delivering better public services to Nigerians.

Enitan’s background

Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He began his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and later attended the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.

He proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he earned 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.

With his appointment taking effect on August 27, Enitan is expected to formally assume the position following Walson-Jack’s retirement from the Federal Civil Service.