The Federal Government has begun the process of appointing five new Permanent Secretaries into the civil service, following approval by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the vacancies arose from the recent retirement of two permanent secretaries representing Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as three additional slots for the North-Central, North-East, and South-East zones due to the creation of new ministries.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, explained that the exercise was being conducted to uphold transparency and merit.
“The process is designed to ensure credibility and fairness in line with government’s commitment to good governance,” she said.
She noted that only eligible directors on Grade Level 17, who have spent at least two years on the rank and have no pending disciplinary case, would be considered.
The screening is being carried out by a committee of permanent secretaries, with monitoring from the Department of State Services and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Candidates are also required to complete asset declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau and obtain clearances from the EFCC, ICPC and DSS.
Walson-Jack revealed that the written examination will take place on Monday, September 15, at a federal government facility, after which successful candidates will proceed to an ICT proficiency test on September 17. The final stage, an oral interview, has been scheduled for September 19.
“The oral session will be conducted by a panel of serving and retired permanent secretaries, former heads of service, the chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and representatives from the private sector. Anti-corruption agencies will also observe the exercise,” she added.
She stressed that the exercise demonstrates the government’s resolve to strengthen professionalism, institutional capacity, and service delivery within the civil service.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of no fewer than 26 permanent secretaries.
These include eight sworn in November 2023, another eight in June 2024, eight more in December 2024, and two in March 2025.
