Government’s Bold Move: FG Sets In Motion Recruitment For New AGF With Detailed Timeline

A memo, dated January 24, 2025, from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and signed by Fatima Mahmoud, the Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, outlines the recruitment timeline. This memo has been circulated to the Offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, ministers, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies.

In December 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed Babatunde Ogunjimi as the acting Accountant General following the start of pre-retirement leave by the former AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein. The appointment was announced by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

However, Dr. Madein’s tenure was later extended until March 7, 2025, by a directive from the Head of Service, which allowed her to resume her duties. This led to the reassignment of Ogunjimi, who was moved to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria as the Director of Accounts.

Bawa Mokwa, the spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General, clarified that civil service regulations allow for terminal leave to be optional, noting that Dr. Madein’s reinstatement had raised concerns within the treasury department about its impact on Ogunjimi’s acting appointment.

The recruitment process for the Accountant General, as detailed in the memo from the Head of Service, will begin with the accreditation of candidates from January 28 to February 1, 2025. The written examinations for eligible candidates will be held as follows:

• Stage 1: Written Examination for candidates from the North-West Zone and Oyo State on Monday, February 10, 2025.
• Stage 2: Written Examination for eligible candidates/directors (Accounts) in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation on February 11, 2025.