President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack as the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at 1:00 pm on Monday at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Walson-Jack succeeds Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who served as the Head of Service (HoS) from March 4, 2020, until her retirement on August 12, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60. The appointment of Walson-Jack was approved by President Tinubu on July 17, nearly a month before the official swearing-in.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu acknowledged the significance of Walson-Jack’s new role, stating, “You’re stepping into very big shoes, and we pray that God continues to guide you, provide you with wisdom, and enhance your integrity to serve this country and the civil service in the most successful way.”
He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing HoS, Dr. Yemi-Esan, for her “exceptional tenure” and unwavering commitment to the nation. “As she steps down, we express our deep gratitude for her unwavering commitment to the service of her country,” Tinubu said.
Born on August 27, 1966, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Walson-Jack holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Lagos and was called to the bar in 1987. Her distinguished career includes serving as the Solicitor-General of Bayelsa State and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice in July 2002. Her federal civil service career began at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, where she was the pioneer State Coordinator of the Rivers State Office.
Walson-Jack is also an alumna of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, Nigeria. Before her latest appointment, she served as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, a role she assumed in January 2024.
Following the swearing-in, President Tinubu presided over the FEC meeting, which resumed after being postponed the previous week for discussions with Security Chiefs concerning nationwide protests.
The council is expected to deliberate on several key issues, including infrastructure projects in Kano, Benue, and Abia states, which were previously stepped down for further review
