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 Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the federal civil service after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
According to Onanuga, Enitan, who is from Osun State, is currently the most senior permanent secretary in the federal civil service.
“He has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, working at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President,” the statement said.
Enitan 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 federal civil service to the new position.
Tinubu also commended Walson-Jack for her service to the country, particularly the reforms and innovations recorded in the civil service during her tenure.
The President charged Enitan to consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen professionalism and efficiency, and build a more effective and responsive civil service capable of supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further urged the incoming Head of Service to promote a civil service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He later studied at the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking in 1988.
In 2015, he obtained a Master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.
