The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has commenced the selection process for appointing five new Permanent Secretaries, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval.
This move aims to fill two vacancies created by recent retirements from Imo State and the FCT, as well as three zonal openings in the North-Central, North-East, and South-East, resulting from the creation of new ministries.
Head of Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, announced that only eligible officers on Grade Level 17, who have spent at least two years on the level and are not under disciplinary action, can participate. The process includes strict screening by a committee of Permanent Secretaries, monitored by anti-corruption agencies such as the ICPC and DSS.
The multi-stage selection includes a written examination on September 15, an ICT proficiency test on September 17, and an oral interview on September 19. The final stage will involve a panel comprising serving and retired top civil servants, representatives from the Federal Civil Service Commission, and private sector experts.
Anti-corruption bodies will also observe the process to ensure fairness. This initiative reflects the administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and professionalism in the civil service.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has appointed at least 26 Permanent Secretaries, with batches sworn in between November 2023 and March 2025.
