The Federal Government has initiated the process of appointing a new Accountant-General of the Federation and filling vacant permanent secretary positions in Oyo State and the North-West geopolitical zone.
In a statement released on Monday by Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Head of Service Didi Walson-Jack confirmed that the selection process has begun.
According to Walson-Jack, the recruitment will involve a written examination administered by a top federal security agency, with test questions set and assessed by both serving and retired permanent secretaries.
The process will also be monitored by observers from civil society organizations, the private sector, professional bodies, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
She explained that the Accountant-General position will become vacant in March following the retirement of the incumbent.
Similarly, the need for new permanent secretaries arose due to the retirement of the Oyo State representative and an impending vacancy in the North-West zone.
The selection process, which has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, will be rigorous and multi-tiered to ensure only qualified and credible individuals are appointed.
Eligibility is restricted to Grade Level 17 officers within the Federal Civil Service who have held their positions for at least two years and have formally expressed interest in participating.
Candidates will undergo multiple screening stages, including verification by their respective permanent secretaries and the Accountant-General to confirm they are not under any disciplinary review.
The Career Management Office (CMO) in the HCSF’s office will compile a list of eligible candidates, which will then be reviewed by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries. Observers from the ICPC and DSS will oversee this process.
Furthermore, candidates will be required to declare their assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau and obtain anti-corruption clearance from the DSS, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the ICPC.
The final decision will be made by President Tinubu based on the candidates’ overall performance throughout the selection process.
Walson-Jack emphasized that the procedure reflects the government’s commitment to merit-based appointments, transparency, and professionalism in public service.
She added that the initiative aims to enhance institutional capacity and improve service delivery across the civil service.
