Tinubu names new Head of Nigeria's Civil Service

President Bola Tinubu has picked Abel Enitan as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. This change takes effect from 27 August 2026.

Mr Enitan takes over from Didi Walson-Jack, who is set to retire soon after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 in the Federal Civil Service.

Mr Enitan hails from Osun State and is the highest-ranking Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

He has been a Permanent Secretary for over seven years, serving in the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.

His experience gives him a strong grasp of how the Federal Civil Service operates in his new role.

President Tinubu appreciates Mrs Walson-Jack for her commendable service to the nation. He noted the reforms, impact, and innovations seen in the Civil Service during her time.

The president wishes her a happy and successful life after her service. He also thanks her for her years of dedicated work in public service.

The president has tasked the new Head of the Civil Service to build on the reforms and innovations already in progress. He wants Mr Enitan to improve professionalism and efficiency in the service.

The goal is to create a more effective Civil Service that can support the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

President Tinubu also encourages Mr Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, based on merit, accountable, innovative, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.

Mr Enitan was born on 12 December 1966. He attended Ajibode Grammar School in Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife for his secondary education. He later went to the University of Lagos and graduated in 1988 with a B.Sc. in Finance and Banking.

In 2015, Mr Enitan earned an M.Sc. in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University in Lafia.