In an update published by **Premium Times**, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally appointed Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan to serve as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with his official tenure set to commence on August 27, 2026. Mr. Enitan takes over executive leadership from the outgoing Head of Service, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is reaching the mandatory public service retirement age of 60. Prior to his elevation, Enitan functioned as the most senior Permanent Secretary within the federal public service apparatus.
The appointee brings over seven years of senior administrative expertise as Permanent Secretary across several pivotal ministries, including Police Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, Education, and the Office of the Vice President. Presidential spokespersons noted that Enitan’s extensive institutional background will prove invaluable in accelerating civil service reforms, enhancing operational discipline, and modernizing governance workflows across ministries, departments, and agencies.
Confirming the strategic appointment, **The Guardian** noted that the President selected Enitan based on his “considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works” to steer key administrative reforms. Likewise, **Leadership** reported on the transition, noting official confirmation that “Enitan will take over from the current Head of the Civil Service, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is due to leave office after reaching the mandatory retirement age”.
Echotitbits take:
Enitan takes the helm at a critical period when public sector wage reviews, digital transition, and institutional downsizing debates are paramount. Keep an eye on his initial policy directives regarding performance-tracking metrics for permanent secretaries and civil service welfare packages.
Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/tinubu-appoints-enitan-as-head-of-civil-service-effective-august/, August 20, 2026
Photo credit: Naira Metrics
