President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), following the retirement of his predecessor, Didi Walson-Jack.
Enitan took the oath of office on Thursday at a brief ceremony at the State House, Abuja, formally assuming leadership of the Federal Civil Service.
His assumption of office followed the retirement of Walson-Jack, who stepped down after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
The formal handover ceremony was also held on Thursday, with Walson-Jack and Enitan signing the necessary official documents before the former Head of Service presented her handover note to her successor.
Walson-Jack said the handover document covered the period from August 14, 2024, to August 27, 2026. The exchange of handshakes between the two officials subsequently marked the formal transfer of responsibilities.
Enitan, an indigene of Osun State, was the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service before his appointment. He had served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months.
He previously served at the Ministry of Police Affairs, 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 described Enitan as an experienced public servant with “considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works.”
Tinubu charged the new Head of Service to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations while strengthening professionalism, efficiency and responsiveness across the civil service.
He also urged Enitan to build a civil service that is “professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.”
The President commended Walson-Jack for her service to the country and the reforms and innovations recorded in the Federal Civil Service 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.
