The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has initiated the process of appointing five new Permanent Secretaries, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval.

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

According to Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service, the process is designed to ensure transparency, credibility, and merit in line with the government’s commitment to good governance.

To be eligible, officers must be on Grade Level 17, have spent at least two years on the grade, and have been cleared by their Permanent Secretaries as not facing disciplinary action.

The selection process involves several stages, including a written examination scheduled for September 15 at a Federal Government facility. Successful candidates will then proceed to an ICT proficiency test on September 17.

The final stage, an oral interview, will be held on September 19, conducted by a panel consisting of 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 also observe the process.

“The final recommendations will be submitted to the President for approval,” Walson-Jack stated. This exercise underscores the government’s commitment to professionalism, institutional capacity, and improved service delivery in the civil service.

Since taking office, President Tinubu has appointed at least 26 permanent secretaries to fill existing vacancies in the federal civil service. Previous appointments include eight new permanent secretaries sworn in November 2023, another eight in June 2024, eight more in December 2024, and two in March 2025.