President Bola Tinubu has formally sworn in Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), following the retirement of Didi Walson-Jack.
Walson-Jack left the Federal Civil Service after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60. Enitan’s appointment took effect on August 27, 2026, marking a new phase in the administration of Nigeria’s federal civil service.
Enitan brings more than seven years of experience as a Permanent Secretary to the position. During his career, he served in the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.
Before his appointment as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Enitan was the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, where he served until his elevation to the top civil service position.
His appointment was announced by President Tinubu on August 19, with the Presidency naming August 27 as the effective date. He now takes charge of the federal civil service at a time when the government is pursuing reforms aimed at improving efficiency and performance across public institutions.
As Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Enitan will oversee the federal civil service and play a central role in implementing government policies, managing the career civil service and driving administrative reforms.
His emergence also comes as the federal government faces growing demands for greater efficiency, accountability and improved service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies.
Enitan’s immediate priorities and the direction he will take in leading the civil service are expected to come under close attention as he begins his tenure.
