Federal Government begins accreditation for new Permanent Secretaries to lead the civil service
The engine room of any government is its civil service, and at the very top of that engine are the Permanent Secretaries. These are the people who ensure that policies don’t just stay on paper but actually reach the streets where Nigerians live and work.
Recently, the Federal Government officially launched the accreditation process to identify the next set of five Federal Permanent Secretaries.
This is not just a routine administrative exercise; it is a high stakes search for the best of the best. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, has made it very clear that this time around, only those with the right “liver” and capacity will make the cut.
As an editor who has followed the ups and downs of our public sector, I can tell you that this move is a signal that the government is serious about injecting fresh energy into the system.
A rigorous screening process for candidates from five key states
The “koko” of this current exercise is to fill vacancies that exist for candidates coming from Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kano, and Ogun states. It is a targeted search designed to ensure that the leadership of the civil service remains balanced and representative of the nation.
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation is not taking any chances. They have established a high-level Accreditation Committee, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Olumuyiwa Abel Enitan. This committee has a very simple but difficult mandate: to sieve through the applications and ensure that only those who meet the strict Public Service Rules are allowed to move to the next stage.
In a country where people often try to use “long leg” to get positions, the emphasis this time is strictly on what you know and how well you have served.
Why merit and integrity are the new standards for leadership
If you think this is just about having a high grade level, you should think again. The Head of Service, Didi Walson-Jack, has emphasized that integrity and transparency must be the watchwords. The candidates will be subjected to a series of tests, including ICT proficiency and written examinations, followed by an oral interview that will test their emotional intelligence and problem solving skills.
Mr. Enitan, the committee chairman, has already warned that any small error or “wayo” during this stage could ruin the credibility of the entire selection. The goal is to build a civil service that can compete with the best in the world.
We are moving away from the era of “business as usual” where seniority was the only thing that mattered. Now, if you want to be a Permanent Secretary, you must show that you are digitally savvy and ready for the challenges of 2026.
Strengthening the civil service for a better Nigeria
At the end of the day, the average Nigerian just wants a government that works. We want our hospitals to have drugs, our roads to be safe, and our economy to stabilize. None of these things can happen if the people leading the ministries are not competent.
By insisting on a merit based accreditation process, the Federal Government is trying to ensure that the “Renewed Hope” agenda is not just a slogan but a reality.
This search for five new leaders is a foundational step in making sure the civil service remains the reliable backbone of our democracy. As these candidates prepare to face the panel, the eyes of the nation are on them.
We hope that the best hands emerge to lead us into a more efficient and accountable future. When the right people are in the right seats, Nigeria is the one that wins.
Join our WhatsApp community
Join Our Social Media Channels:
