The Federal Government has begun the process of filling five Permanent Secretary positions within the civil service, signaling another step in President Bola Tinubu’s restructuring agenda for public administration.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this development in a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu. The new appointments, she explained, will address vacancies created by the retirement of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as three zonal openings in the North-Central, North-East, and South-East due to newly created ministries.
She emphasized that the ongoing process reflects a commitment to transparency, credibility, and meritocracy in public service. Only senior civil servants on Grade Level 17 who have completed a minimum of two years at that level, and who are free from disciplinary records, are qualified to apply.
The first stage of the process entailed compilation and screening by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries. This was supervised by anti-graft and security institutions including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Candidates were further required to complete asset declaration documents with the Code of Conduct Bureau.
The Head of Service revealed that the written examination will hold on September 15, followed by an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) proficiency test on September 17. Successful candidates will then proceed to an oral interview on September 19, which will be conducted by a panel of serving and retired technocrats, including former Heads of Service and the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission. Representatives from the private sector will also participate as observers.
“Anti-corruption agencies will also observe the process. The final recommendations will be submitted to the President for approval,” Walson-Jack added.
Since May 2023, Tinubu has appointed over 26 Permanent Secretaries across different ministries, departments, and agencies. His administration views these reforms as a foundation for institutional efficiency and improved service delivery.