Tinubu appoints Abel Enitan as new Head of Civil Service

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective August 27, 2026.

Enitan succeeds Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

The appointment was announced by the Presidency on Wednesday.

Enitan, an indigene of Osun State, is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education and is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.

He has served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, with postings to the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice-President.

The incoming Head of Service is expected to bring extensive institutional experience and knowledge of the workings of the Federal Civil Service to the new position.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to Walson-Jack for her service to the nation and the reforms, innovations and institutional improvements recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure.

The President wished her a fulfilling post-service life and commended her for her years of dedicated public service.

Tinubu charged Enitan to consolidate the reforms and innovations already underway, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service capable of delivering on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also urged the incoming Head of Service to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

Profile of the new Head of Service
Enitan 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.

In 2015, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Enitan will assume office on August 27, 2026, following the retirement of Walson-Jack.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation coordinates the administrative machinery of the Federal Government and provides leadership for the professional development, performance and reform of the Federal Civil Service.

Walson-Jack became Head of Service in August 2024, succeeding Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan.