President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with the appointment taking effect from August 27, 2026.
Enitan will succeed Didi Walson-Jack, who is set to retire from the federal civil service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Enitan, who hails from Osun State, is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and is described by the Presidency as the most senior permanent secretary in the federal civil service.
He has spent seven years and seven months serving as a permanent secretary, with postings to the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.
The Presidency said his extensive experience across different government institutions has given him a strong understanding of the operations and challenges of the federal civil service.
Tinubu commended the outgoing Head of Service, Walson-Jack, for her contributions to the public service, particularly reforms and innovations introduced during her tenure.
The President tasked Enitan with sustaining and expanding ongoing reforms while strengthening professionalism, efficiency and accountability across the civil service.
He also urged the incoming Head of Service to build a more responsive and innovative public service capable of effectively supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Presidency, Enitan is expected to promote a civil service system anchored on merit, professionalism, accountability and responsiveness to the needs of Nigerians.
Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan began his education at Ajibode Grammar School in Ibadan before proceeding to the College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife.
He later attended the University of Lagos, where he earned 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.
Enitan will assume office as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on August 27, following Walson-Jack’s retirement.
