The Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, has pledged a transparent, and merit-driven selection process for the appointment of new Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, who gave the assurance in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, said the process follows approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Walson-Jack disclosed that two Permanent Secretary positions have become vacant due to the recent retirement of the Oyo State representative and an impending vacancy in the North-West Geopolitical Zone.
She further noted that the role of Accountant-General will open, following the retirement of the incumbent in March 2025.
According to her, the selection process will be structured and multi-tiered, ensuring only the most qualified and competent candidates emerge.
She said the process is open to Grade Level 17 officers in the mainstream Federal Civil Service who have held their position for at least two years and have formally expressed interest.
The Hos further laid out the process, noting that prospective candidates must meet strict eligibility requirements, including clearance by their respective Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General to confirm they are free of disciplinary issues.
The statement also said Career Management Office, CMO, of the OHCSF will compile a list of eligible candidates based on submissions from these offices.
It said the next phase involves verification screening 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.
The OHOSF stressed that candidates must also complete an asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau.
To reinforce integrity in the selection process, applicants will undergo anti-corruption clearance by the DSS, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the ICPC.
“Shortlisted candidates will take a written examination administered at a high-security Federal Government facility. The exam will be designed and graded by a panel of serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, with observers from civil society organizations, the private sector, professional bodies, DSS, and ICPC.
“Candidates will also be assessed on ICT proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Successful candidates will then proceed to an oral interview conducted by a diverse panel, featuring serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of the Civil Service, retired Accountants-General, and private sector representatives, with DSS and ICPC as observers.
“The final selection will be made by President Bola Tinubu, who will appoint the best-performing candidates based on their overall performance throughout the process,” the statement read.
Walson-Jack emphasized that the rigorous selection underscores the government’s commitment to meritocracy, accountability, and professionalism within the public service.
She reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains dedicated to strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing service delivery, and fostering national development through transparent and merit-based appointments.
