The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has commenced the accreditation process for the appointment of five new Federal Permanent Secretaries, the office announced on Tuesday.
According to a statement from Eno Olotu, Director of Press at the OHCSF, the exercise follows approval from President Bola Tinubu and aims to fill current and upcoming vacancies from Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kano, and Ogun states.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, described the accreditation as a critical first step in ensuring the selection of competent and ethical leaders for the Federal Civil Service.
“This accreditation is the foundation of a national assignment that will determine the future quality, integrity, and capacity of our civil service leadership,” Walson-Jack said.
“I charge the Accreditation Committee to carry out its responsibilities with diligence, thoroughness, and strict adherence to established rules. Fairness, transparency, and merit must guide every step of this process.”
The Chairman of the Accreditation Committee, Mr. Olumuyiwa Abel Enitan, who is also a Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, reiterated the need for meticulousness.
“Any lapse or error at this stage could undermine the credibility of the entire selection system,” Enitan said.
“Committee members must pay careful attention, work collaboratively, and comply fully with the approved framework to ensure a process beyond reproach.”
According to the Public Service Rules 2021, Permanent Secretaries are appointed from among serving Directors in the Federal Civil Service.
The rules stipulate a four-year term renewable once, merit-based selection, and adherence to the federal character principle, ensuring equitable representation from all states.
The accreditation process is the formal step that precedes the final appointments, which are confirmed by the President upon recommendation from the Head of Civil Service.
