FG Initiates Appointment Process for Five New Permanent Secretaries

FG has initiated appointment process for five new permanent secretaries.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has commenced the process of appointing five Permanent Secretaries, following approval from President Bola Tinubu.

The vacancies include two created by the recent retirements of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as three zonal positions for North-Central, North-East, and South-East, arising from the creation of new ministries.

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In a statement on Sunday, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, emphasized that the process is designed to uphold transparency, credibility, and merit, in line with the government’s commitment to good governance.

She explained that only officers at Grade Level 17 who have spent a minimum of two years at the grade and have been cleared as free of disciplinary actions by their respective Permanent Secretaries are eligible to apply.

The exercise began with the compilation and screening of qualified officers by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, under the supervision of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Candidates have also completed asset declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau, while clearances from the ICPC, EFCC, and DSS are ongoing.

The next stage, a written examination, is scheduled for September 15 at a Federal Government facility. Successful candidates will then undertake an ICT proficiency test on September 17. The process will culminate in an oral interview on September 19, conducted by a panel comprising serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of Service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and private-sector representatives.

“Anti-corruption agencies will observe the process, and final recommendations will be submitted to the President for approval,” Walson-Jack said.

She added that the exercise reflects the government’s focus on professionalism, institutional capacity, and improved service delivery within the federal civil service.

Since assuming office, President Tinubu has appointed at least 26 permanent secretaries to fill existing federal civil service vacancies, including eight in November 2023, another eight in June 2024, eight in December 2024, and two in March 2025.