Rita Odafe
The Nigerian federal government has initiated the selection process for a new Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) and two federal permanent secretaries, with President Bola Tinubu’s approval.
This announcement was made by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, during a statement released by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, on Monday evening in Abuja.
According to Walson-Jack, the process aims to choose qualified and capable candidates through a structured evaluation system, emphasizing the government’s dedication to transparency and merit-based selection.
She noted that the two permanent secretary vacancies arise from a recent retirement of a permanent secretary in Oyo State and an expected vacancy in the North-West region. Furthermore, the AGF position will soon be available as the current AGF is set to retire in March 2025.
In December 2024, President Tinubu instructed the existing AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, to extend her service until March 7, 2025, reversing an earlier announcement. This change followed disputes about announcing Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new AGF, which caused some unrest within the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) in Abuja.
Initially, Ogunjimi’s appointment was declared by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga on December 10, 2024, while Dr. Madein was on pre-retirement leave that began on December 7. However, a subsequent directive required Dr. Madein to cancel her leave and continue in her role until the designated retirement date.
Activist Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed from Kano filed a petition claiming that the presidency obstructed the appointment of a northerner as acting AGF, opting instead for Ogunjimi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and alleging that two northern candidates with legitimate claims were passed over.
The appointment opportunity is now open to all serving Grade Level 17 officers in the Federal Civil Service who hold their current position for a minimum of two years and wish to apply.
Applicants must satisfy various eligibility standards, which include validation by their respective permanent secretaries and the AGF to confirm they are not involved in any disciplinary actions.
The selection process will feature several verification phases:
A screening by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, monitored by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Mandatory asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
Clearance regarding anti-corruption from the DSS, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the ICPC.
A written examination conducted at a key Federal Government security agency, overseen by both current and retired permanent secretaries as well as representatives from civil society, private sector, DSS, and ICPC.
A proficiency evaluation in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with monitoring by ICPC and DSS.
Ultimately, President Bola Tinubu will make the final selection based on the candidates’ performance throughout the assessment process.
