The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) has commenced the selection process for five new Permanent Secretaries, following approval by President Bola Tinubu.
The vacancies include two positions created by the retirement of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as three zonal slots for the North-Central, North-East, and South-East, resulting from the establishment of new ministries.
In a statement signed by Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations, the Head of Service, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, explained that the recruitment process is designed to promote transparency, merit, and credibility in line with the government’s commitment to good governance.
Eligibility is limited to officers on Grade Level 17 who have served at least two years on that rank and have been cleared of disciplinary issues by their respective Permanent Secretaries.
The exercise began with the compilation and screening of qualified officers 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). Candidates also completed asset declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau, while further clearances from EFCC, ICPC, and DSS are ongoing.
According to Walson-Jack, the written examination will take place on September 15 at a Federal Government facility, followed by an ICT proficiency test on September 17. The final stage, an oral interview, is scheduled for September 19 and will be conducted by a panel comprising serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of Service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and private sector representatives.
Anti-corruption agencies will observe all stages of the process to ensure integrity. Final recommendations will be forwarded to the President for approval.
The Head of Service emphasized that the exercise reflects the government’s commitment to professionalism, institutional capacity, and improved service delivery within the civil service.