President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Abel Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), making him the second person appointed to the position since he assumed office in May 2023.
Enitan took the oath of office before the President at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, formally succeeding Didi Walson-Jack, who retired from the federal civil service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.
The Presidency announced Enitan’s appointment on August 19, 2026, following Walson-Jack’s retirement.
His swearing-in followed a meeting between Tinubu, Enitan and the outgoing Head of Service at the State House on August 21, during which arrangements for a smooth transition were discussed.
An indigene of Osun State, Enitan was the most senior permanent secretary in the federal civil service at the time of his appointment.
He had spent seven years and seven months as a permanent secretary, serving in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the Vice-President. He was last Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
Born on December 12, 1966, Enitan attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking from the University of Lagos in 1988 and later earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia, in 2015.
While administering the oath, Tinubu charged the new Head of Service to build on ongoing reforms and innovations in the civil service, with emphasis on professionalism, efficiency and improved service delivery.
The President also urged Enitan to strengthen the capacity of the federal bureaucracy to provide a more responsive and effective public service capable of advancing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Two HoCSF Appointments Under Tinubu
Enitan becomes the third person to occupy the office of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation since Tinubu became President, although only two of the occupants were appointed and sworn in by him.
Folasade Yemi-Esan, appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in September 2019, remained in office after Tinubu assumed power. She retired on August 14, 2024, upon reaching the statutory retirement age.
Tinubu subsequently appointed Walson-Jack, who took over from Yemi-Esan on August 14, 2024. She served for about two years before retiring in August 2026.
With his appointment on August 19 and swearing-in on August 27, 2026, Enitan becomes the latest occupant of the office and the second Head of Service appointed by President Tinubu.
