President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of the process to appoint five new permanent secretaries, according to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
Head of Service, Didi Walson-Jack, explained that the vacancies include two arising from the recent retirement of permanent secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as three zonal slots for the North-Central, North-East, and South-East, created after the establishment of new ministries.
In a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Eno Olotu, the OHCSF said the recruitment exercise has been designed to ensure transparency, credibility, and merit in line with the government’s commitment to good governance.
Walson-Jack noted that eligibility is restricted to directors on Grade Level 17 who have spent at least two years on the grade and have been cleared by their permanent secretaries as not facing disciplinary action.
She added that the process began with the compilation and screening of eligible officers by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, monitored by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“Candidates also completed asset declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau, while clearances from the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS are ongoing,” Walson-Jack said.
The Head of Service disclosed that a written examination for shortlisted officers would hold on September 15, followed by an ICT proficiency test on September 17. The final stage, an oral interview, is scheduled for September 19.
The interview panel will include serving and retired permanent secretaries, former heads of service, the chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and representatives from the private sector, with anti-corruption agencies also observing the process.
“The final recommendations will be submitted to the President for approval,” Walson-Jack stressed.