President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, formally bringing to an end the tenure of his predecessor, Didi Walson-Jack, who retired after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
Enitan took the oath of office on Thursday at a brief ceremony at the State House, Abuja, after which he formally assumed responsibility for the leadership of the Federal Civil Service.
The formal handover also took place on Thursday, with Walson-Jack and Enitan signing official documents before the outgoing Head of Service presented her handover note to her successor.
While presenting the document, Walson-Jack said: “To hand over to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Enitan Abel, her handover note for the period covering Wednesday 14th August 2024 to 27 August 2026.”
The two officials thereafter exchanged a handshake, marking the formal transfer of responsibilities.
Enitan, who hails from Osun State, was the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service before his appointment.
He had served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, bringing considerable administrative experience to the office.
Before his elevation, Enitan had served in several government institutions, including the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.
He later became Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education.
President Tinubu had announced Enitan’s appointment on August 19, 2026, with the appointment taking effect from August 27, 2026.
In announcing the appointment, the President said Enitan “brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility.”
Tinubu charged him to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations within the Civil Service while deepening professionalism, efficiency and accountability across government institutions.
The President specifically urged the new Head of Service to lead a Civil Service that is “professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.”
Walson-Jack had served as Head of the Civil Service from August 14, 2024, until August 27, 2026, when she formally handed over to Enitan.
Walson-Jack had served as Head of the Civil Service from August 14, 2024, until August 27, 2026, when she formally handed over to Enitan.
The new Head of Service was born on December 12, 1966.
He attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife, before proceeding to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking in 1988.
He later obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University in 2015.
With his swearing-in and the formal handover completed, Enitan is expected to oversee the continued implementation of reforms aimed at improving productivity, professionalism, accountability and service delivery across the Federal Civil Service.