Tinubu Swears In Enitan As Head Of Service

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday swore in Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation at the State House in Abuja.

The ceremony marked the official start of Enitan’s tenure after his appointment by the President and the retirement of his predecessor, Didi Walson-Jack.

Walson-Jack left the Federal Civil Service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. She formally handed over to Enitan during a ceremony held on Thursday, completing the transition between the two heads of the civil service.

The outgoing Head of Service and her successor signed the required documents before Walson-Jack presented the official handover documents to Enitan. The exchange marked the transfer of administrative responsibilities to the new head of the service.

Enitan, who hails from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. Before his new appointment, he had spent seven years and seven months as a Permanent Secretary.

He has worked in several parts of the Federal Government, including the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President. He later became Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education.

Tinubu appointed Enitan on August 19, 2026, with the appointment taking effect on August 27.

The President said the new Head of Service brings years of experience within government and a strong knowledge of the operations of the Federal Civil Service.

Tinubu tasked Enitan with continuing ongoing reforms in the civil service while improving professionalism, efficiency and service delivery. He also called for a civil service that is based on merit, accountability, innovation and better response to the needs of Nigerians.

The President also thanked Walson-Jack for her time in office and the work carried out during her tenure.

Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He attended Ajibode Grammar School in Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking from the University of Lagos in 1988. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University in 2015.

His appointment places him at the centre of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the civil service and strengthen the way government institutions deliver services to citizens.