The Federal Government has initiated the process of appointing a new Accountant-General of the Federation and permanent secretaries to fill existing vacancies in Oyo State and the North-West geopolitical zone.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Didi Walson-Jack.
According to Walson-Jack, the selection process will involve a written examination conducted by a top federal security agency.
The questions will be set and assessed by serving and retired permanent secretaries.
She further stated that 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) will oversee the process.
“The position of Accountant-General will become vacant upon the retirement of the current officeholder in March,” she noted.
Additionally, she explained that the vacancies for permanent secretaries arose following the retirement of the permanent secretary from Oyo State and an impending vacancy in the North-West geopolitical zone.
The selection process, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is designed to be structured and merit-based to ensure that only qualified and credible individuals are appointed.
Walson-Jack stated that the process is open to serving Grade Level 17 officers in the Federal Civil Service who have held their positions for at least two years and have formally expressed interest in participating.
“Candidates will undergo a series of screenings, including verification by their respective permanent secretaries and the Accountant-General to confirm that they are not facing any disciplinary proceedings,” she explained.
She further outlined that the Career Management Office (CMO) in the HCSF’s office will generate a list of eligible candidates, which will then be screened by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries. The process will also be monitored by the ICPC and DSS to ensure transparency.
As part of the requirements, candidates will be subject to an asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau and an anti-corruption clearance by the DSS, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and ICPC.
“President Tinubu will make the final decision based on candidates’ overall performance,” Walson-Jack added.
She emphasized that the process reflects the government’s commitment to merit-based appointments, good governance, and professionalism in public service, ensuring institutional capacity is strengthened and service delivery is improved.