The Federal Government has officially commenced the process of appointing five new Permanent Secretaries into the federal civil service, as the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation promised transparency, merit, and professionalism.
The exercise follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval and is expected to fill two vacancies created by the recent retirement of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory.
In addition, three zonal vacancies in the North-Central, North-East, and South-East have arisen due to the creation of new ministries.
In a statement issued by Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations, the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, explained that the selection process is structured to uphold credibility and fairness.
Only officers currently on Grade Level 17 who have spent at least two years on that level are considered eligible.
Furthermore, applicants must be cleared by their current Permanent Secretaries as not facing any disciplinary proceedings.
Candidates also submitted asset declaration forms to the Code of Conduct Bureau and are undergoing clearance from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, and the Department of State Services, DSS.
The process began with the compilation and screening of eligible officers by a committee of serving Permanent Secretaries, under the supervision of the ICPC and DSS.
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The next stage is a written examination, scheduled for September 15 at a federal facility in Abuja.
Successful candidates will then proceed to an ICT proficiency test on September 17, a reflection of the government’s emphasis on digital literacy and modern administrative competence.
The final stage will be an oral interview on September 19, to be conducted by a distinguished panel.
The interview panel will include serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of the Civil Service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and representatives from the private sector.
To guarantee credibility, anti-corruption agencies will observe the entire exercise.
According to Walson-Jack, the final recommendations will be forwarded to President Tinubu for his approval.
She stressed that the initiative demonstrates government’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring that leadership positions in the civil service are occupied by competent officers.
The Head of Service emphasized that the process underscores Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in public administration, particularly the drive for professionalism, accountability, and improved service delivery.
“The Federal Government is determined to entrench transparency and credibility in this process, ensuring that only the best-qualified candidates emerge,” Walson-Jack stated.
Observers note that the appointment of new Permanent Secretaries comes at a crucial time, with the civil service expected to play a leading role in driving the policies of newly created ministries while maintaining efficiency across existing structures.
With this exercise, the government seeks to balance meritocracy with inclusiveness while bolstering the integrity of the civil service system.
NAN
