President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), effective August 27, 2026.
Enitan will succeed Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
The appointment was announced by the Presidency on Wednesday.
Enitan, who hails from Osun State, is currently the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He has served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months across the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.
He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
The Presidency said Enitan brings extensive institutional experience and a deep understanding of the operations of the Federal Civil Service to his new role.
Tinubu tasks Enitan on reforms
President Tinubu charged the incoming Head of Service to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations within the Civil Service while deepening professionalism, efficiency and accountability across the service.
The President also urged Enitan to build a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of supporting the delivery of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Presidency, Enitan is expected to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
Tinubu commends outgoing Head of Service
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Head of the Civil Service, Walson-Jack, for her distinguished service to the nation.
He also commended her contributions to reforms, innovations and improvements recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure.
The President wished Walson-Jack a fulfilling and successful post-service life, while expressing the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated public service.
Who is Abel Enitan?
Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he obtained 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.
His appointment as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation places him at the helm of Nigeria’s federal administrative machinery, where he will be responsible for providing leadership and direction to the country’s civil service.
