The federal government has started the process of selecting five new permanent secretaries, three of whom will serve as the heads of recently created ministries. The posts are available to eligible directors in the federal civil service.

The head of the civil service, Didi Walson Jack, stated, “Following the approval of  president, the Office of the head of the civil service of the federation is set to commence the process for the appointment of five permanent secretaries.

“These appointments will fill existing and impending vacancies for Imo state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as three newly created rotational zonal positions arising from the establishment of additional ministries.

“To ensure equitable representation, the three zonal positions will, in the first instance, be filled by eligible candidates from three geo political zones, selected based on alphabetical order the North Central, North-East, and South-East.”

In order to be eligible, candidates must be directors on grade level 17 in the regular federal civil service and have held such position for at least two years.  

Additionally, candidates must be confirmed federal employees, be able to be verified via the IPPIS system, and not be scheduled to retire on or before December 31, 2026.  

Proof of indigeneity for the state with the opening must be presented by the candidates.  Indigeneship by marriage is not seen as legitimate for female civil officials.  

Additionally, there must be no outstanding disciplinary actions against any applicants.  The circular further instructed serving permanent secretaries to indicate in their forwarding letters that all candidates are free from disciplinary issues.

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