The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has begun the accreditation process for the appointment of five new Federal Permanent Secretaries, following approval from President Bola Tinubu.
The development was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Director of Press at the OHCSF, Eno Olotu, who said the exercise is aimed at filling both current and anticipated vacancies within the Federal Civil Service.
According to the statement, eligible candidates are expected to come from Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Kano and Ogun states, in line with the federal character principle.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, described the accreditation as a crucial first step in a process that will shape the future leadership of the Federal Civil Service.
She stressed that the outcome of the exercise would have a direct impact on the quality, integrity and capacity of the service.
Walson-Jack urged members of the Accreditation Committee to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and professionalism, insisting on strict compliance with established rules and procedures.
She emphasised that fairness, transparency and merit must guide the entire process.
Echoing her position, the Chairman of the Accreditation Committee and Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Olumuyiwa Abel Enitan, warned that any error or compromise at the accreditation stage could damage the credibility of the selection process.
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Enitan called on committee members to pay close attention to detail, work collaboratively and adhere fully to the approved guidelines to ensure a credible and transparent outcome.
Appointments to the position of Permanent Secretary are governed by the Public Service Rules 2021, which provide that candidates must be serving Directors within the Federal Civil Service.
The rules also stipulate a four-year renewable tenure, with a maximum of eight years, and require strict merit-based selection while ensuring compliance with federal character requirements.