FG opens selection for five Permanent Secretaries

FG opens selection for five Permanent Secretaries

 

The Federal Government has opened the process for the appointment of five new Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service, following the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

 

According to a statement issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, two of the vacancies were created by the retirement of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while three arose from the zonal representation of North-Central, North-East and South-East, occasioned by the creation of new ministries.

 

Walson-Jack explained that the exercise is aimed at promoting transparency, credibility and merit, in line with government’s commitment to good governance and professionalism in the civil service.

 

She said only officers on Grade Level 17, who have spent at least two years on the rank, undergone training by their Permanent Secretaries, and are free of disciplinary issues, are qualified to participate.

 

The process began with the compilation and screening of eligible officers by a committee of Permanent Secretaries, under the supervision of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

 

Candidates were also required to complete asset declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), while clearances from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ICPC and DSS are ongoing.

 

The written examination, which marks the next stage of the process, is scheduled to hold today, September 15, at a Federal Government facility in Abuja. Successful candidates will proceed to an ICT proficiency test on September 17.

 

The final stage, an oral interview, will hold on September 19 before a panel comprising serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of Service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission and representatives of the private sector. Anti-graft agencies will also monitor the process.

 

Walson-Jack stressed that the final recommendations will be submitted to President Tinubu for approval, adding that the exercise reaffirms government’s resolve to strengthen professionalism, deepen institutional capacity and enhance service delivery in the federal civil service.