Mr Abel Enitan, the 23rd Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has taken oath of office with a pledge to make the federal civil service more professional, responsive, efficient and productive, while strengthening its commitment to integrity and citizen-centred service delivery.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Enitan acknowledged the magnitude of his new role following the departure of his predecessor, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.
He thanked Walson-Jack for her guidance, admitting that her achievements set a remarkably high standard—”oversized shoes” to fill—as he steps into leadership.
“I thank Didi Walson-Jack for the support and the confidence reposed in me. That catchy phrase, ‘Abel is able’, is challenging me to be on top of my game. I will try my best,” he said.
Enitan said he would study the handover documents and ensure that relevant resolutions and recommendations were implemented.
He assured that he was not coming into the service to “reinvent the wheel”, but to strengthen ongoing reforms and make the system more efficient.
“I am not coming in to reinvent the wheel. I am coming in to lubricate the wheel so that the wheel can run more efficiently and deliver quality services that will gladden the hearts of the citizenry,” he said.
Enitan said the Federal Civil Service had a critical role to play in implementing the administration’s transformation programmes and translating government policies into tangible results for Nigerians.
“The civil service must remain “EPIC-compliant”, with efficiency, productivity, incorruptibility and citizen-centredness guiding its operations.”
He also commended President Tinubu for his commitment to improving the living conditions of Nigerians, saying the civil service had a major responsibility in ensuring that the
administration’s programmes achieved their desired impact.
He promised not to disappoint the President or Nigerians, while calling for the support and prayers of civil servants and other stakeholders to achieve success.
“I am taking this assignment and receiving this challenge with a deep sense of responsibility. I pray that my best will be good enough for the system,” he said.
Enitan said Nigeria was endowed with the resources and potential to become a great nation, stressing that a professional and effective civil service was essential to achieving that
aspiration.
He promised to continue from where Walson-Jack stopped and work with stakeholders to improve service delivery and restore citizens’ confidence in government.
“I will not disappoint Mr President and I will not disappoint my compatriots. I am sure that with this solemn promise, God will see me through and Nigeria will be a better country in our own time,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack urged Enitan to sustain and deepen ongoing reforms of the federal civil service.
Walson-Jack expressed appreciation to civil servants and other stakeholders for their support, encouragement, patience and tolerance throughout her tenure.
“I don’t have much to say. In fact, all week I’ve been talking, talking, talking, making speeches and giving speeches. So today, I’m going to keep it short and simple.
“Two words to all of you in this room: thank you,” she said.
Walson-Jack described her tenure as a “roller coaster”, characterised by ups and downs, happy and sad moments, noting that the administration overcame its challenges through God’s intervention.
She expressed confidence in Enitan, describing him as someone she had worked closely with over the years and who, she said, had reforms “embedded in his heart”.
She urged civil servants to extend the same support, prayers and commitment they accorded her to the new HCSF.
“If you granted me support, grant him more. If you prayed for me, pray for him more. Whatever you did for me, I plead with you today, do for him more,” she said.
According to her, the ultimate goal should not be about individuals but about Nigeria and the delivery of quality public service to citizens.
“It is not about me. It is not about him. It is not even about you on your seat, but it is about Nigeria.
“The goal is that Nigeria should be greater and that the citizens of Nigeria should enjoy quality service delivery rendered by epic civil servants,” she said.
Walson-Jack also presented the handover notes to Enitan, saying the document contained only a fraction of the reports and activities undertaken during her tenure.
She appreciated President Tinubu for the support given to her to accomplish her assignments throughout the period as the Head of Service.
The ceremony ended with handover notes, prayers and goodwill messages as Walson-Jack formally bowed out of office after two years at the helm of the Federal Civil Service.
PerSecondNews recalls that President Bola Tinubu had appointed Walson-Jack as HCSF with effect from Aug. 14, 2024, while Enitan was appointed her successor on Aug. 19, 2026, with effect from Aug. 27, 2026.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation lists prominent past holders of the position as follow:
Early and Military Era (1961–1999)
Dr. S.O. Wey: September 1, 1961 – January 16, 1966
Mr. M.A. Ejueyitchie: August 14, 1966 – December 20, 1970
Mr. A.A. Atta: December 21, 1970 – June 12, 1972
Mr. C.O. Lawson: August 16, 1972 – September 30, 1975
Mr. Allison Ayida: April 23, 1975 – March 31, 1977
Mr. Ali L. Ciroma: April 1, 1977 – September 30, 1979
Alhaji Shehu A. Musa: October 1, 1979 – December 31, 1983
Mr. G.A. Longe: January 1, 1984 – January 30, 1986
Chief Olu Falae: January 31, 1986 – December 31, 1989
Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed: January 1, 1990 – August 26, 1993
Alhaji Mustafa Umara: August 27, 1993 – November 17, 1993
Alhaji Aminu Saleh: November 18, 1993 – October 17, 1995
Alhaji Gidado Idris: October 17, 1995 – May 28, 1999
Fourth Republic Era (1999–Present)
Chief U.J. Ekaette: May 29, 1999 – May 28, 2007 (Note: also served as SGF)
Mahmud Yayale Ahmed: 2007 – 2008 (Later became Secretary to the Government of the Federation)
Engr. Ebele Ofunneamaka Okeke: 2007/2008 – 2008 (First female Head of Service)
Stephen Osagiede Oronsaye: June 2009 – November 2010
Prof. Oladapo Afolabi: November 2010 – 2011
Isa Bello Sali: 2011 – August 2015
Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita: August 2015 – September 2019
Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan: March 2020 – August 2024 (Served in acting capacity from September 2019)
Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who assumed office in August 2024 to August 28, 2026
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