President Bola Tinubu has formally sworn in Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, marking the beginning of a new phase in the leadership of Nigeria’s federal civil service.
Enitan takes over from Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is retiring after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60. His appointment was earlier announced by the Presidency and took effect on August 27, 2026.
The new Head of Service is from Osun State and was the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service before his appointment.
He had spent seven years and seven months as a Permanent Secretary, serving in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President. Before his new appointment, he was the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
During the swearing-in, Tinubu charged Enitan to build on the reforms already taking place within the civil service and ensure that government workers operate with greater professionalism and efficiency.
The President also called on him to promote a civil service that is professional, merit-based, accountable, innovative and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
Tinubu had earlier praised Walson-Jack for her service to the country, particularly the reforms and innovations recorded during her time as Head of Service. He also wished her a successful life after retirement.
Enitan brings several years of experience in government to the position. His long career in the federal civil service is expected to help him settle into the new role as he takes responsibility for coordinating the country’s top administrative workforce.
Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan attended Ajibode Grammar School in Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a BSc in Finance and Banking in 1988.
He later obtained a Master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia, in 2015.
His appointment comes at a time when the Federal Government is pushing for greater efficiency and reform across its institutions. The new Head of Service will therefore be expected to strengthen ongoing changes and improve the way government business is handled across ministries and agencies.
With Enitan now formally in office, attention will turn to how he uses his experience to improve professionalism, accountability and service delivery within Nigeria’s federal civil service.