The Federal Government has commenced the recruitment of five permanent secretaries, three of whom will oversee newly created ministries.
A circular from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, signed by Head of Service Didi Walson-Jack, stated that the positions are open to qualified directors in the Federal Civil Service.
According to the memo, the vacancies will cover Imo State, the Federal Capital Territory, and three new rotational zonal posts created following the establishment of additional ministries.
In line with the principle of equitable representation, the first rotation will be filled by candidates from the North-Central, North-East, and South-East zones, in alphabetical order.
Eligible applicants must be Grade Level 17 directors in the mainstream civil service, verified on the IPPIS platform as confirmed staff, and must have served at least two years at that level.
They must not be due for retirement on or before December 31, 2026, and must present proof of indigeneship for the state where the vacancy exists.
For female officers, indigeneship will not be recognised through marriage.
The circular also stipulates that candidates must have no pending disciplinary cases.
Serving permanent secretaries are required to certify applicants’ records and forward supporting documents, including confidential files, curriculum vitae, and compliance evidence, to the Career Management Office at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, by 4:00 p.m. on August 12, 2025.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed at least 26 permanent secretaries since assuming office, with eight sworn in each in November 2023 and June 2024, another eight in December 2024, and two more in March 2025.