Tinubu Swears In Enitan as New Head of Service

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Enitan assumed office on Thursday at a brief ceremony at the State House, Abuja, following the retirement of his predecessor, Didi Walson-Jack, who attained the statutory retirement age of 60.

The formal handover also took place on Thursday, with Walson-Jack and Enitan signing official documents before the outgoing Head of Service presented the handover note to her successor.

Walson-Jack formally handed over responsibilities covering her tenure from August 14, 2024, to August 27, 2026, marking the beginning of Enitan’s tenure as the country’s top civil servant.

Enitan, who is from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He served as a Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months before his appointment.

He previously served at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President before becoming 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 Enitan brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of the operations of the Federal Civil Service to his new responsibility.

Tinubu charged the new Head of Service to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations, deepen professionalism and efficiency, and build a more effective and responsive Civil Service.

He urged Enitan to lead a service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

The President also commended Walson-Jack for her service to the nation and the reforms and innovations recorded during her tenure.

Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife, before obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking from the University of Lagos in 1988.

He later obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University in 2015.