Walson-Jack Retires, as Enitan Resumes as Head of Civil Service
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has formally retired upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60 and has passed the reins of leadership of the federal civil service to Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan.
The handover, which took place in Abuja, marks a new chapter in the leadership of the service and follows the swearing-in of Enitan by President Bola Tinubu, at the State House, as the new Head of Service effective 27 August 2026.
The outgoing HCSF expressed deep gratitude to the President for the privilege and opportunity to serve the nation at the highest level of the federal civil service.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, she expressed profound appreciation to the management and staff of the Office for their support, encouragement, patience and commitment throughout her tenure.
She also appreciated the Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Heads of Agencies and the entire body of Federal Civil Servants for their support and partnership throughout her tenure.
Reflecting on her two years in office, she described the period as a journey marked by significant achievements and formidable challenges, noting that the collective efforts of the various teams, coupled with God’s grace, enabled the Office to navigate the challenges and make significant progress in advancing the reform agenda of the Federal Civil Service.
Walson-Jack emphasised that the transformation of the Civil Service was never about individuals, but about Nigeria and the collective responsibility to provide citizens with quality public services delivered by competent, professional and committed public servants.
She also appreciated the Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Heads of Agencies and the entire body of Federal Civil Servants for their support and partnership throughout her tenure.
In his response, the new HCSF, Mr. Enitan, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him by Tinubu and acknowledged the enormous responsibility entrusted to him.
He commended Walson-Jack for her contributions to the transformation of the service, describing her tenure as one that advanced important reforms and laid a strong foundation for continued progress.
He pledged to approach the assignment with humility, dedication and a deep sense of duty, assuring that he would build on the reforms already established while further strengthening the EPIC Culture of Efficiency, Productivity, Incorruptibility and Citizen-Centredness across the Service.
He called for the continued commitment and cooperation of Permanent Secretaries, Directors and the entire workforce, stressing that the success of the civil service depends on collective ownership of its mandate and a shared determination to deliver better outcomes for Nigerians.
Enitan also expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to steer the Federal Civil Service, pledging to contribute to improved efficiency, professionalism and service delivery.
