Tinubu Swears In Abel Enitan as New Head of Service
Reported By Facthabournews
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF).
Enitan succeeds Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who retired after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.
The swearing-in ceremony was held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the State House in Abuja, formally marking the beginning of Enitan’s tenure as Nigeria’s Chief Administrative Officer.
Enitan Takes Over From Walson-Jack
President Tinubu had appointed Enitan as Head of Service on August 19, 2026, selecting him as the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service.
At the ceremony, the President congratulated the new Head of Service and charged him to uphold professionalism, integrity, accountability and efficiency in the civil service.
Walson-Jack, the former Head of Service, attended the ceremony alongside her husband, Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack.
Also present were Enitan’s wife, Mrs Olawunmi Ololade Enitan, and the Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr Peter Fashedemi.
Who Is Abel Enitan?
Enitan was born on December 12, 1966, and hails from Osun State.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Lagos and a Master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
He began his career in the Federal Civil Service in 1998 as a Senior Operations Officer with the now-discontinued Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP).
He later served at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs before moving to the Office of the Vice President at the State House.
Rose Through Several Federal Ministries
During his career at the State House, Enitan served as Chief Administrative Officer and rose to the rank of Director between 2010 and 2018.
He was appointed Permanent Secretary in December 2018 and posted to the Federal Civil Service Commission.
He subsequently served as Permanent Secretary in several ministries, including the Ministries of Environment, Police Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Education.
His appointment as Head of Service now places him at the helm of Nigeria’s federal civil service administration.
Tinubu Tasks New HoCSF With Reform
The President’s charge to Enitan comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to improve efficiency and accountability within the public service.
As Head of Service, Enitan will play a central role in coordinating the federal civil service, implementing public-service reforms and strengthening administrative efficiency across government institutions.
His experience across several ministries and government offices is expected to be relevant to the responsibilities of his new position.
New Chapter for Federal Civil Service
Enitan’s assumption of office marks the beginning of a new leadership chapter following Walson-Jack’s retirement.
The new Head of Service is expected to work with Permanent Secretaries and other senior officials to improve professionalism, strengthen institutional capacity and ensure effective implementation of government policies.
His tenure will also come under public scrutiny as the government seeks to modernise the civil service and make public institutions more responsive to citizens.
With his formal swearing-in completed, Enitan has now assumed responsibility as Nigeria’s top career civil servant and will be expected to lead the Federal Civil Service in line with the President’s expectations of professionalism, integrity and efficiency.
This report is based on the State House press release issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on August 27, 2026.
