News
OHCSF Opens Process for Appointment of Five Permanent Secretaries
Joel Ajayi
The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has commenced the appointment process for five new Permanent Secretaries, following the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In a statement signed on Monday in Abuja by the Director, Information and Public Relations Mrs. Eno Olotu reveals that the process seeks to fill five vacant positions: two arising from the recent retirement of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and three newly created rotational zonal vacancies due to the establishment of additional Ministries. These zonal vacancies cover the North-Central, North-East, and South-East geopolitical zones.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, mni, emphasised that the process has been carefully structured to ensure transparency, credibility, and merit, in line with the Administration’s commitment to good governance. Only qualified and competent officers are being considered.
The exercise commenced with the call for applications from eligible officers on Grade Level 17 in the mainstream Federal Civil Service, who had spent at least two (2) years on the grade. Their respective Permanent Secretaries cleared them as not being under any disciplinary action before forwarding their names.
Thereafter, the OHCSF compiled the list of eligible officers, who were subjected to a verification and screening exercise conducted by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, with monitoring 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 anti-corruption clearances from the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS are ongoing.
The initial screening exercise has been successfully concluded, and the selection process is now advancing to the next phase—the written examination—which is scheduled to commence on Monday, 15th September 2025. Candidates will sit for the examination at a secure Federal Government facility. The setting and marking of the examination will be supervised by a panel comprising serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, with oversight provided by observers from a civil society organisation, the organised private sector, and other relevant stakeholders.
Candidates who are successful in the written examination will proceed to the ICT proficiency assessment, which will take place on Wednesday, 17th September 2025.
The final phase of the process—a comprehensive oral interview—is scheduled for Friday, 19th September 2025. This will be conducted by a distinguished panel consisting of the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of the Civil Service of the Federation, and representatives from the private sector and a professional body. The Anti – Corruption Agencies will also observe this stage to ensure integrity and transparency.
The final recommendations based on overall performance and merit, will be submitted to the President for his consideration and approval.
Mrs. Walson-Jack reiterated that the exercise reflects the Federal Government’s firm commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting professionalism, and ensuring a transparent and merit-based public service leadership. This initiative underscores the Administration’s dedication to improving service delivery and driving national development.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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