Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation
Federal Government has initiated the appointment process for five Permanent Secretaries, following approval from President Bola Tinubu.
This move aims to fill critical vacancies in the civil service, as announced by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF).
The vacancies include two positions left open due to the retirement of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside three zonal slots for North-Central, North-East, and South-East, created by the establishment of new ministries.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, in a statement released through Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations, emphasized that the selection process is designed to uphold transparency, credibility, and merit.
“The process aligns with the government’s commitment to good governance,” she stated.
Eligibility is restricted to Grade Level 17 officers with a minimum of two years in the grade and no pending disciplinary actions, as confirmed by their respective Permanent Secretaries.
The process began with a screening of eligible candidates by a committee of Permanent Secretaries, overseen by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Candidates are also required to submit asset declaration forms to the Code of Conduct Bureau, with ongoing clearances from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ICPC, and DSS.
According to Walson-Jack, the next phase involves a written examination scheduled for September 15 at a Federal Government facility. Successful candidates will proceed to an ICT proficiency test on September 17, followed by an oral interview on 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 private sector representatives, with anti-corruption agencies observing the process.
“The final recommendations will be forwarded to the President for approval,” Walson-Jack noted, underscoring the government’s dedication to fostering professionalism and enhancing institutional capacity within the civil service.
