The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has shortlisted eight candidates for the final oral interview stage in the ongoing process to appoint new Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Eno Olotu, the office explained that the candidates advanced to the concluding phase after successfully completing earlier stages of the rigorous selection exercise.
“The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has announced that eight candidates have been shortlisted for the oral interview being the third and concluding stage in the selection process for appointing Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service. The shortlisted candidates have successfully navigated previous stages, including a comprehensive written examination and an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) proficiency test. These assessments were designed to evaluate their knowledge, leadership capacity, digital competence, and overall readiness to serve at the highest levels of the Public Service,” the statement read.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fairness and excellence in the exercise. She emphasized that the invitation of the candidates restates the government’s resolve to appoint leaders of proven integrity, competence and expertise in the digital space, capable of steering and strengthening reform initiatives and delivering quality service to Nigerians.
According to the statement, the oral interviews are scheduled for Friday, 27 February 2026. They will further assess the candidates’ leadership qualities, policy insight, administrative acumen, and strategic vision in line with the mandate of the Federal Civil Service and the government’s national development priorities.
This final stage marks a critical step in the government’s effort to ensure that only the most qualified individuals are appointed to serve as Permanent Secretaries, reinforcing the drive for reform and efficiency in Nigeria’s civil service.
By Emmanuel Obisue, Abuja
