The Federal Government has commenced the appointment process for new Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), emphasizing a transparent, merit-based, and rigorous selection process.
A statement issued by Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), confirmed that two Permanent Secretary positions are vacant due to the recent retirement of the Oyo State representative and an impending vacancy in the North-West Geopolitical Zone.
Additionally, the position of Accountant-General of the Federation will become vacant in March 2025 upon the retirement of the current officeholder.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, stated that the selection process will be structured, multi-tiered, and in line with President Bola Tinubu’s approval to ensure only credible, competent, and ethical individuals are appointed.
Eligibility Criteria and Screening Process
According to the statement, the process is open to all serving Grade Level 17 officers in the mainstream Federal Civil Service who have held their current position for at least two years and have expressed interest in participating.
Applicants must:
Be screened and confirmed by their respective Permanent Secretaries and the AGF to ensure they are not under any disciplinary procedures.
Undergo a verification screening conducted by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, with oversight from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Declare their assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
Obtain anti-corruption clearance from the DSS, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and ICPC.
Examinations and Competency Tests
Candidates will be required to take a Written Examination administered by a top Federal Government security agency. The examination questions will be set and marked by a panel of serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, with oversight from representatives of:
Civil Society Organizations
The Organized Private Sector
Professional Associations
The DSS and ICPC
Additionally, candidates will undergo an ICT proficiency test covering Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Final Selection and Presidential Approval
Candidates who pass the written and ICT tests will proceed to an Oral Interview, to be conducted by a panel consisting of:
Serving and retired Permanent Secretaries
Retired Heads of Civil Service of the Federation/retired AGFs
Representatives from the private sector and professional bodies
Observers from ICPC and DSS
The final appointment will be made by President Bola Tinubu, who will select the best-performing candidates based on their overall performance throughout the selection process.
Commitment to Good Governance and Professionalism
Mrs. Walson-Jack emphasized that the appointment process reflects the government’s dedication to meritocracy, good governance, and professionalism in the Public Service.
“This process is designed to ensure that only the most qualified individuals assume these leadership positions. The Federal Government remains committed to strengthening institutional capacity, improving service delivery, and promoting national development thr
ough transparent and merit-based recruitment,” she stated.
