Shuffling the Deck: FG Kicks Off Hunt for Five New Permanent Secretaries
By: Abudu Olalekan
So, the top jobs in the civil service are shifting again. President Tinubu has given the go-ahead to find five new Permanent Secretaries. It’s a big deal, honestly. These are the people who really run things behind the scenes.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service, led by Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, announced the process on Sunday. Two spots opened up with recent retirements – one from Imo State, another from the FCT. But it’s not just replacements. Three new ministries mean three more positions to fill, covering the North-Central, North-East, and South-East zones. A lot is happening, quickly.
A Transparent Process? The FG’s Promise
Walson-Jack insists this isn’t going to be a backroom deal. She’s talking transparency, credibility, and merit. Good governance, she says. We’ll see, right? But the process sounds pretty thorough.
Basically, you need to be a Grade Level 17 officer – that’s pretty high up – and have at least two years under your belt at that level. No disciplinary actions allowed, either. Your current Permanent Secretary has to sign off on that. Seems fair enough.
A committee of Permanent Secretaries is already sifting through applications, with the eagle eyes of the ICPC and DSS watching over their shoulders. No funny business, hopefully. And everyone’s filling out asset declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau. EFCC, ICPC, and DSS clearances are all ongoing. It’s a lot of checks and balances.
The Gauntlet: Exams, Tests, and Interviews
The next step? A written exam on September 15th, held at a secure government facility. Pass that, and you’re onto an ICT proficiency test on the 17th. Because, you know, knowing your way around a computer is kinda important these days.
Then comes the big one: the oral interview on September 19th. A panel of heavy hitters will be doing the questioning – current and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of Service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and even representatives from the private sector. It’s a grilling, no doubt. And, yes, the anti-corruption agencies will be observing. Always watching.
Walson-Jack says the final recommendations will go straight to the President for approval. It’s a long road, but she’s emphasizing the government’s commitment to professionalism and better service delivery.
A Pattern of Appointments: Tinubu’s Civil Service Shake-Up
This isn’t a one-off thing, either. Since taking office, President Tinubu has appointed a whopping 26 Permanent Secretaries. Eight in November 2023, another eight in June 2024, eight more in December 2024, and two just this past March. It’s a significant reshuffling of the deck.
Reportersroom understands the President is keen on filling vacancies and ensuring the civil service is adequately staffed to deliver on his administration’s agenda. But with so many appointments happening in a short space of time, questions about experience and continuity are bound to arise.
It’s a lot of change. And whether it translates into a more efficient and effective civil service remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: the search for these five new Permanent Secretaries is a crucial step in shaping the future of Nigeria’s bureaucracy.
