The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has initiated the process for the appointment of five new Permanent Secretaries, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, on behalf of the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the vacancies include two arising from the recent retirement of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory. The remaining three are zonal vacancies for the North-Central, North-East, and South-East, following the creation of new ministries.
Walson-Jack emphasized that the selection process is structured to promote transparency, merit, and credibility, in alignment with the administration’s commitment to good governance.
She explained that only eligible officers on Grade Level 17, with at least two years in that position and without any pending disciplinary cases, are being considered. Candidates must also be cleared by their respective Permanent Secretaries.
The appointment process began with the compilation and screening of eligible candidates by a committee of Permanent Secretaries, under the watch of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Candidates have submitted asset declaration forms to the Code of Conduct Bureau, and are undergoing clearance by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS.
The written examination, which is the next phase of the process, is scheduled for September 15 at a designated federal government facility. Those who pass will proceed to an ICT proficiency test on September 17.
The final stage—an oral interview—is slated for September 19. It will be conducted by a panel comprising serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of Service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and representatives from the private sector. Anti-corruption agencies will also observe the proceedings.
“The final list of recommended candidates will be forwarded to the President for approval,” Walson-Jack stated, noting that the process reflects the government’s commitment to professionalism, institutional development, and enhanced service delivery within the civil service.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has appointed no fewer than 26 Permanent Secretaries to fill various vacancies in the federal civil service. In November 2023, eight new Permanent Secretaries were sworn in, followed by another eight in June 2024. In December 2024, eight more appointments were made, and two additional Permanent Secretaries were appointed in March 2025.
