Tinubu Appoints Enitan New Head of Civil Service

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective August 27, 2026.

Enitan will succeed Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.

The appointment was announced on Wednesday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, Enitan is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

He has served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, with postings to the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.

“Mr Enitan, from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

“He brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility,” Onanuga said.

Tinubu commended Walson-Jack for her service to the country, particularly the reforms and innovations recorded in the Federal Civil Service during her tenure.

The President also wished her a fulfilling and successful life after retirement, expressing appreciation for her years of dedicated public service.

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Tinubu charged Enitan to consolidate the reforms and innovations already introduced in the civil service and deepen professionalism, efficiency and accountability across the public sector.

He also tasked the incoming Head of Service with building a more effective and responsive civil service capable of supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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

Enitan was born on December 12, 1966.

He attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife, before proceeding 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.

Enitan will formally assume office on August 27 following Walson-Jack’s retirement.