President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation amid questions over his age and how long he can remain in the position before attaining the mandatory retirement age.
Enitan, who was sworn in at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, is 59 years old. Official records show that he was born on December 12, 1966, meaning he will attain 60 on December 12, 2026.
His appointment has therefore generated discussion over the length of his tenure, coming only months before he reaches the statutory retirement age applicable to federal civil servants.
The Presidency announced Enitan’s appointment on August 19, with the appointment taking effect on August 27. He succeeded Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who retired after attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
Tinubu Charges Enitan on Reform
During Thursday’s swearing-in, Tinubu charged the new Head of Service to consolidate ongoing reforms and innovations in the civil service.
The President urged him to deepen professionalism and efficiency and build a public service that is merit-driven, accountable, innovative and responsive to Nigerians.
Enitan’s appointment places him at the centre of the Federal Government’s civil service reform agenda at a time when his age and the duration of his tenure are already attracting public attention.
Age Becomes Talking Point
The age issue has featured prominently in public reactions to Enitan’s appointment, with questions being raised about the wisdom of appointing a career civil servant who is only months away from the mandatory retirement age.
The Presidency, however, has not indicated that Enitan is exempt from the retirement rule. Its official statement simply identified him as the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service and announced his appointment effective August 27.
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The appointment has consequently raised questions about whether his tenure as Head of Service would end when he turns 60 or whether any specific provision permits him to remain in office beyond that age.
Available official information confirms his date of birth but does not state that he has been granted an exemption from the retirement requirement.
Who Is Abel Enitan?
Enitan is from Osun State and was the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service before his elevation.
He served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, with postings including the Ministry of Police Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Office of the Vice President and the Federal Ministry of Education, where he served immediately before he was appointed Head of Service.
He attended Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan, and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking from the University of Lagos in 1988 and later earned a Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Lafia, in 2015.
Reports on his career indicate that he joined the Federal Civil Service in 1998 and subsequently served in several government ministries and institutions before becoming a Permanent Secretary in December 2018.
Career at Humanitarian Ministry
Enitan’s career also came under public scrutiny during his time at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
He was Permanent Secretary in the ministry during the period when former Minister Betta Edu was suspended and investigations were launched into alleged financial irregularities.
At the time, civil society organisations questioned his continued role in the ministry and called for closer scrutiny of senior officials involved in its financial and administrative processes.
The controversy, however, did not result in any established finding of criminal wrongdoing against Enitan in the sources reviewed.
For now, the official record establishes that Enitan is 59, will turn 60 in December 2026, and was appointed effective August 27. The Presidency has not publicly announced any special exemption from the statutory retirement age.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.