Tinubu Administration Kicks Off Search For New Accountant-General and Permanent Secretaries – Who Will Make The Cut

The Federal Government has commenced the process of appointing a new Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) and two federal permanent secretaries, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This development was announced on Monday night in Abuja by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, through a statement released by Mrs. Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations in her office.

Walson-Jack emphasized that the selection process would adhere to a structured, multi-layered evaluation system designed to identify qualified, credible, and competent candidates. She reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to a transparent, merit-based appointment process, in line with the President’s directives.

The vacancies for the two permanent secretary roles stem from the recent retirement of a permanent secretary from Oyo State and an upcoming vacancy in the North-West geopolitical zone. Additionally, the AGF role will open upon the retirement of the current officeholder in March 2025.

In December 2024, President Tinubu directed the current AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, to remain in office until March 7, 2025, reversing an earlier policy. This followed the controversial announcement of Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new AGF, which sparked unrest within the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).

Ogunjimi’s appointment had been declared by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga on December 10, 2024, following Dr. Madein’s pre-retirement leave, which began on December 7. However, the HCSF later instructed Dr. Madein to suspend her leave and continue in her role until March 2025.

Meanwhile, activist Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed from Kano filed a petition accusing the presidency of blocking a northerner from being named acting AGF and instead appointing Ogunjimi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She alleged that two northerners, who were next in line for the position, were unfairly bypassed.

The government has now opened the appointment process to all serving Grade Level 17 officers in the Federal Civil Service who have held their positions for at least two years and expressed interest in the roles.

Applicants must meet stringent eligibility requirements, including clearance from their permanent secretaries and the AGF to confirm they are not under disciplinary investigation.

The selection process will involve multiple layers of scrutiny, including:

• A screening by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, overseen by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
• Mandatory asset declarations with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
• Anti-corruption clearances from the DSS, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and ICPC.
• A written examination at a top Federal Government security agency, supervised by current and former permanent secretaries, civil society organizations, private sector professionals, and representatives from the DSS and ICPC.
• A proficiency test in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, also monitored by the ICPC and DSS.

The final decision will rest with President Bola Tinubu, who will select candidates based on their performance throughout the rigorous evaluation process.

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