Civil Service Begins Selection of Five New Permanent Secretaries

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has commenced the selection process for five new Permanent Secretaries, following approval by President Bola Tinubu.

Two of the vacancies were created by the retirement of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory, while the remaining three arose from zonal allocations in the North-Central, North-East, and South-East, following the establishment of new ministries.

Head of Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, in a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, explained that the exercise is designed to promote transparency, credibility, and merit, in line with the government’s commitment to good governance. She noted that only directors on Grade Level 17 with at least two years on the rank, free of disciplinary cases, are eligible.

The process began with the screening of eligible officers by a committee of Permanent Secretaries, with oversight from the ICPC and DSS. Candidates have also been required to submit asset declaration forms to the Code of Conduct Bureau, while clearance from EFCC, ICPC, and DSS is ongoing. The written examination is scheduled for September 15, followed by an ICT proficiency test on September 17, and a final oral interview on September 19, to be conducted by a high-level panel. Walson-Jack emphasized that the exercise reflects the administration’s commitment to professionalism, institutional capacity, and improved service delivery.