Enitan Sworn In As Head of Civil Service

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service.

Enitan was sworn in on Thursday at a brief ceremony at the State House in Abuja, following the retirement of his predecessor, Didi Walson-Jack, who attained the statutory retirement age of 60.

Walson-Jack and Enitan signed official documents before the outgoing Head of Service presented the handover note to her successor.

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

The two officials subsequently exchanged a handshake, marking the formal transfer of responsibilities to Enitan.

Enitan, who hails from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months before his appointment as Head of Service.

He previously served at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President before becoming Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education.

Tinubu appointed Enitan on August 19, 2026, with the appointment taking effect on August 27.

While announcing the appointment, the President said Enitan brought considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of the operations of the Federal Civil Service to the position.

Tinubu charged the new Head of Service to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service.

The President also urged Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

Tinubu expressed appreciation to Walson-Jack for her service to the nation and the reforms and innovations recorded during her tenure.

Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and 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 and later earned a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University in 2015.

His appointment places him at the helm of Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service, where he is expected to oversee the implementation of ongoing administrative reforms and efforts to improve efficiency and service delivery across government institutions.