The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has commenced the selection process for new Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, reaffirming its commitment to a transparent and merit-driven process.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, announced in Abuja that the rigorous selection aims to ensure only the most qualified and competent individuals are appointed. The process, approved by the President, is open to Grade Level 17 officers in the Federal Civil Service who have held their positions for at least two years and meet the required criteria.
The vacancies include two Permanent Secretary positions—one due to the recent retirement of the Oyo State representative and another upcoming in the North-West. Additionally, the Accountant-General role will be vacant upon the incumbent’s retirement in March 2025.
A statement by Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations, outlined that nominees must pass multiple eligibility checks, including screening by their supervising Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General to confirm they are not under disciplinary investigation.
Candidates will undergo a multi-stage evaluation, beginning with verification by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, monitored by representatives from the ICPC and DSS. They must also declare assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau and obtain anti-corruption clearances from the EFCC, DSS, and ICPC.
To ensure transparency, a panel of serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, civil society groups, and professional bodies will oversee the examination process. Nominees will also be tested on ICT proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint before advancing to an oral interview conducted by senior public officials and private sector representatives.
Final appointments will be made by the President, selecting the best-performing candidates based on their overall performance.
Mrs. Walson-Jack emphasized that the process reflects the government’s commitment to meritocracy, accountability, and professionalism, aiming to strengthen institutional capacity and improve service delivery across the public sector.
