The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) has launched the process to appoint five new Permanent Secretaries, following approval from President Bola Tinubu.
Head of Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, said the vacancies include two positions created by the retirement of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as three zonal slots for the North-Central, North-East, and South-East, arising from the creation of new ministries.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, Walson-Jack stressed that the exercise is designed to promote transparency, merit, and credibility in line with the government’s reform agenda.
Eligibility is limited to Grade Level 17 officers who have served at least two years in the position, received training under their Permanent Secretaries, and have no pending disciplinary cases.
The process began with screening by a committee of Permanent Secretaries, monitored by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Candidates also completed asset declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau, while additional clearances from the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS are ongoing.
A written examination is scheduled for September 15 at a federal facility, to be followed by an ICT proficiency test on September 17.
The final stage, an oral interview, will take place on September 19. The panel will include serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of Service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and private sector representatives.
Walson-Jack said anti-corruption agencies will oversee the process, and final recommendations will be forwarded to the President for approval.
She noted that the exercise reflects the administration’s commitment to professionalism, institutional capacity, and improved service delivery in the civil service.