Federal Government begins selection process for 5 perm sec positions

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has announced the commencement of an accreditation exercise for the selection of five new Federal Permanent Secretaries.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement signed by the Director of Press, Eno Olotu, who disclosed that the exercise is being carried out following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Olotu noted that the process is designed to fill existing and impending vacancies for candidates originating from Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kano, and Ogun.

“The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, described the accreditation as the foundational step in a critical national assignment that will determine the future quality, integrity, and capacity of the Federal Civil Service leadership.

“Mrs Walson-Jack charged the Accreditation Committee to execute its duties with utmost diligence, thoroughness, and strict adherence to established rules and procedures. She emphasised that the principles of fairness, transparency, and merit must be paramount throughout the exercise.

“In his remarks, the Chairman of the Accreditation Committee and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Olumuyiwa Abel Enitan, reiterated the Head of Service’s directive. He underscored the collective responsibility of committee members to protect the integrity of the Civil Service,” the statement stated.

Enitan cautioned that any lapse or error at this stage could undermine the credibility of the entire selection system. He therefore urged members to exercise meticulous attention to detail, foster teamwork, and comply strictly with the approved framework to ensure a process beyond reproach.

The eligibility criteria for the appointment of a Permanent Secretary are outlined in the Public Service Rules 2021.

Permanent Secretaries in Nigeria are appointed from among serving Directors in the Federal Civil Service, with the process overseen by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation upon approval by the President. Key rules (PSR 2021) stipulate a four-year renewable term (maximum eight years), strict merit-based selection, and eligibility for specific states to maintain Federal Character.