Enitan to Take Over on August 27
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
Enitan will assume office on August 27, 2026.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced the appointment on Wednesday.
Enitan will succeed Didi Esther Walson-Jack. She will retire from the Federal Civil Service after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60.
Enitan Brings Seven Years of Permanent Secretary Experience
Enitan, who is from Osun State, currently serves as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
He is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He has held the rank for seven years and seven months.
During his career, Enitan has worked in several key government offices. His previous assignments include the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.
His experience across these institutions gives him a broad understanding of federal government operations.
As Head of the Civil Service, Enitan will oversee the federal civil service system. He will also play a key role in improving efficiency and professional standards across government institutions.
Tinubu Sets Priorities for New Head of Service
President Tinubu thanked Walson-Jack for her years of service to Nigeria.
The President also recognised the reforms and innovations recorded during her tenure. He wished her success after her retirement from public service.
Tinubu has asked Enitan to continue the reforms already underway in the civil service.
The President also wants him to strengthen professionalism and improve efficiency across government ministries and agencies.
Tinubu further directed the incoming Head of Service to promote a civil service based on merit, accountability and innovation.
He said the service must respond effectively to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
What the Appointment Means for Housing and Infrastructure
The effectiveness of the civil service affects many areas of Nigeria’s economy. Housing, land administration and infrastructure development all depend on strong public institutions.
Federal housing programmes require coordination among ministries, departments and agencies. The same applies to land management, urban development, construction standards and infrastructure projects.
A more efficient civil service could therefore support faster implementation of government policies in these sectors.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service also has a wider role in strengthening the systems that support federal administration. This makes the new appointment relevant to government programmes across the housing and infrastructure sectors.
Enitan’s Education and Career
Enitan was born on December 12, 1966.
He attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He later studied at the University of Lagos. He graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking.
In 2015, Enitan obtained a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia.
His academic background combines finance with public policy. His career has also given him experience across different areas of federal administration.
New Chapter for the Federal Civil Service
Enitan will take charge of the Federal Civil Service as the government continues to pursue its Renewed Hope Agenda.
His immediate priorities will include building on existing reforms, improving efficiency and strengthening professionalism within the service.
His leadership will also matter to sectors such as housing, infrastructure, land administration and urban development, where effective government institutions remain important to policy delivery.
Enitan will formally assume the position on August 27, 2026, following the retirement of Walson-Jack.
