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

The vacancies include two positions created by the recent retirements of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as three zonal vacancies in the North-Central, North-East, and South-East, resulting from the establishment of new ministries.

Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, announced the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu. She noted that the process is structured to ensure transparency, merit, and credibility, in line with the administration’s commitment to good governance.

Eligible candidates must be serving civil servants on Grade Level 17, with a minimum of two years on the rank and no ongoing disciplinary issues, as confirmed by their respective Permanent Secretaries.

The selection process began with the compilation and screening of eligible candidates by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, under the observation of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Candidates also completed asset declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau, while clearances from the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS are ongoing.

The next phase, a written examination, will take place on September 15 at a designated Federal Government facility. Successful candidates will then proceed to an ICT proficiency test on September 17, followed by a final oral interview scheduled for September 19.

The interview panel will comprise 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 monitor the process.

Walson-Jack emphasized that the exercise reflects the government’s focus on professionalism, institutional strength, and enhanced service delivery within the civil service.

Since assuming office, President Bola Tinubu has appointed at least 26 Permanent Secretaries. Eight were sworn in during November 2023, another eight in June 2024, eight more in December 2024, and two additional appointments followed in March 2025.