President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally sworn in Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF).
The swearing-in ceremony was held on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, officially marking the beginning of Enitan’s tenure as Nigeria’s top-ranking civil servant and chief administrative officer.
Enitan takes over from Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who retired from the position after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
President Tinubu had announced Enitan’s appointment on August 19, 2026, selecting him as the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated the new Head of Service and charged him to promote professionalism, integrity, accountability and efficiency across the Federal Civil Service.
The President’s directive comes as Enitan assumes responsibility for providing administrative leadership and strengthening the effectiveness of Nigeria’s federal public service.
The former Head of Service, Walson-Jack, was present at the ceremony alongside her husband, Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack. Also in attendance were Enitan’s wife, Mrs Olawunmi Ololade Enitan, and the Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Peter Fashedemi.
Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan is an indigene of Osun State. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Lagos and later earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
His career in the Federal Civil Service began in 1998 when he joined the now-discontinued Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP) as a Senior Operations Officer.
He subsequently served at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs before moving to the Office of the Vice President at the State House. Between 2010 and 2018, he served as Chief Administrative Officer and rose to the rank of Director.
Enitan was appointed a Permanent Secretary in December 2018 and was initially posted to the Federal Civil Service Commission. He later served in several federal ministries, including Environment, Police Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Education.
With his extensive experience across different areas of government administration, Enitan now takes charge of the Federal Civil Service at a time when efficiency, institutional reform, accountability and effective public administration remain key priorities.
His appointment places him at the centre of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s civil service and improve service delivery across government institutions.
ALSO READ: Tinubu, Governors Agree to Reduce Transport Fares Nationwide From October 1
Source: State House Press Release
Issued: August 27, 2026
By: Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
