Tinubu Names Abel Enitan as New Head of Civil Service

President Bola Tinubu has named Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan to lead the Federal Civil Service of Nigeria, a role taking effect on August 27, 2026. Enitan will assume duties from Didi Esther Walson-Jack, whose service concludes as she reaches age 60—the mandatory retirement threshold.

On Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga released details of the appointment. Enitan, who originates from Osun State, presently serves as Permanent Secretary within the Federal Ministry of Education and stands as the most senior Permanent Secretary across Nigeria's Federal Civil Service.

His professional trajectory spans seven years and seven months in the Permanent Secretary role, encompassing postings to the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, among other government institutions. With this assignment, Enitan now shoulders responsibility for steering Nigeria's federal administrative machinery during a period of substantial change.

As the incoming Head of Service, his mandate includes spearheading modernization initiatives and overseeing routine operations within federal public service structures, spanning all government agencies and departments nationwide. Walson-Jack's retirement marks the closure of her tenure atop the civil service apparatus.

The transition follows customary civil service protocols governing leadership succession, with Enitan's promotion underscoring his institutional standing and seniority. His appointment to this leadership post signals continuity in governance within the Tinubu administration as it progresses through its term in office.