President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), with his appointment taking effect from August 27, 2026.
Enitan will succeed Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is set to retire from the Federal Civil Service after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Enitan, an indigene of Osun State, is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He has accumulated seven years and seven months of experience as a Permanent Secretary, serving in key institutions including the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.
His extensive experience across several arms of government is expected to strengthen his capacity to oversee the Federal Civil Service and advance ongoing institutional reforms.
President Tinubu commended the outgoing Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Walson-Jack, for her years of dedicated service and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s public sector. The President specifically acknowledged the reforms, innovations and institutional improvements recorded during her tenure.
He wished Walson-Jack a rewarding and successful post-retirement life, while expressing appreciation for her commitment to national service.
The President also charged Enitan to build on the reforms already introduced within the Federal Civil Service and further promote professionalism, efficiency, accountability and innovation.
According to the directive, the incoming HCSF is expected to lead a more responsive and effective civil service capable of supporting the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and meeting the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
Tinubu further urged Enitan to promote a Federal Civil Service anchored on merit, professionalism, accountability, innovation and efficient service delivery.
Born on December 12, 1966, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan received his early 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 extensive experience in public administration and his record of service as a Permanent Secretary, Enitan is expected to play a significant role in shaping the next phase of reforms within Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service when he assumes office on August 27.
The appointment represents another major leadership transition in Nigeria’s public administration as the Federal Government seeks to strengthen institutional capacity, improve efficiency and ensure more effective delivery of public services.
