Osun-born Permanent Secretary to take over from Walson-Jack on August 27
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with effect from August 27, 2026.
Enitan will succeed Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is set to retire from the Federal Civil Service on attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
The appointment was announced in a State House press release on Tuesday, 19th August 2026, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Who Is Abel Enitan?
Mr. Enitan, 59, hails from Osun State and is currently the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
He has spent seven years and seven months as Permanent Secretary, with postings at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President. He currently serves as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
The President’s office said he brings “considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works” to the role.
Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife for secondary education. He graduated from the University of Lagos in 1988 with a http://B.Sc. in Finance and Banking, and later bagged an http://M.Sc. in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia in 2015.
Tinubu’s Charge
President Tinubu thanked Mrs. Walson-Jack for her service, citing the reforms, impact and innovations witnessed in the Civil Service during her tenure. He wished her “a fulfilling and successful life after service.”
To the incoming Head of Service, the President gave a clear mandate: consolidate ongoing reforms, deepen professionalism and efficiency, and build a Civil Service that can deliver on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The President further urges Mr. Enitan to lead a Civil Service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations,” the statement said.
The appointment comes at a time when the Tinubu administration is pushing to reposition the civil service for faster policy implementation and improved service delivery across ministries.
Enitan will officially assume office on August 27, 2026.
