President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), formally ushering in a new leadership era in Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service.

Enitan took the oath of office at a brief ceremony at the State House, Abuja, following the retirement of his predecessor, Didi Walson-Jack, who stepped down after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

The transition was completed on Thursday with the signing of official documents by Walson-Jack and Enitan, after which the outgoing Head of Service formally handed over the transition note to her successor.

Presenting the document, Walson-Jack said it covered the period from August 14, 2024, to August 27, 2026.

The formal handover was sealed with a handshake between the outgoing and incoming Heads of Service.

Enitan, an indigene of Osun State, was the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service before his appointment as Head of Service.

He served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, holding senior positions across several government establishments.

His previous postings included the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President. He was later deployed as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.

Tinubu had on August 19, 2026, approved Enitan’s appointment, with the decision taking effect on August 27.

Announcing the appointment, the President described Enitan as an experienced civil servant with “considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works.”

Tinubu’s Charge to New Head of Service

The President charged Enitan to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations within the Civil Service while strengthening professionalism, efficiency and accountability.

Tinubu also tasked him with ensuring that the Federal Civil Service remains professional, merit-driven, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

He urged the new Head of Service to build on existing reforms and strengthen the capacity of the civil service to deliver effective and efficient public administration.

Tinubu commended Walson-Jack for her service to the country, particularly the reforms and innovations recorded during her tenure.

Walson-Jack assumed office as Head of the Civil Service in August 2024 and retired after completing her statutory service.

Who Is Abel Enitan?

Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan began his education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, before proceeding to 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 before joining the Federal Civil Service.

Over the course of his career, Enitan served in several ministries and government institutions, rising through the ranks to become the most senior Permanent Secretary before his appointment as Head of Service.

As the new HOCSF, Enitan now assumes responsibility for providing administrative leadership to the Federal Civil Service and driving reforms aimed at improving efficiency, professionalism, accountability and service delivery.

His tenure is expected to build on ongoing efforts to modernise the Civil Service and position it as a more effective instrument for delivering government policies and programmes.