By Okon Okon
Mr Abel Enitan, the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) has pledged to make the federal civil service more professional, responsive, efficient and productive, while strengthening its commitment to integrity and citizen-centred service delivery.
He spoke after Mrs Didi Walson-Jack formally handed over to him as the HCSF on Thursday in Abuja
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Abuja, Enitan thanked Walson-Jack for her support and confidence in him, describing the responsibility of leading the Federal Civil Service as a huge task.
He said her achievements had left “oversized shoes” to fill but expressed optimism that she would continue to support him in the new assignment.
“I thank Didi Walson-Jack for the support and the confidence reposed in me. That catchy phrase, ‘Abel is able’, is challenging me to be on top of my game. I will try my best,” he said.
Enitan said he would study the handover documents and ensure that relevant resolutions and recommendations were implemented.
He assured that he was not coming into the service to “reinvent the wheel”, but to strengthen ongoing reforms and make the system more efficient.
“I am not coming in to reinvent the wheel. I am coming in to lubricate the wheel so that the wheel can run more efficiently and deliver quality services that will gladden the hearts of the citizenry,” he said.
Enitan said the Federal Civil Service had a critical role to play in implementing the administration’s transformation programmes and translating government policies into tangible results for Nigerians.
According to him, the civil service must remain “EPIC-compliant”, with efficiency, productivity, incorruptibility and citizen-centredness guiding its operations.
He also commended President Tinubu for his commitment to improving the living conditions of Nigerians, saying the civil service had a major responsibility in ensuring that the
administration’s programmes achieved their desired impact.
He promised not to disappoint the President or Nigerians, while calling for the support and prayers of civil servants and other stakeholders to achieve success.
“I am taking this assignment and receiving this challenge with a deep sense of responsibility. I pray that my best will be good enough for the system,” he said.
Enitan said Nigeria was endowed with the resources and potential to become a great nation, stressing that a professional and effective civil service was essential to achieving that
aspiration.
He pledged to continue from where Walson-Jack stopped and work with stakeholders to improve service delivery and restore citizens’ confidence in government.
“I will not disappoint Mr President and I will not disappoint my compatriots. I am sure that with this solemn promise, God will see me through and Nigeria will be a better country in our own time,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack urged Enitan to sustain and deepen ongoing reforms of the federal civil service.
Walson-Jack expressed appreciation to civil servants and other stakeholders for their support, encouragement, patience and tolerance throughout her tenure.
“I don’t have much to say. In fact, all week I’ve been talking, talking, talking, making speeches and giving speeches. So today, I’m going to keep it short and simple.
“Two words to all of you in this room: thank you,” she said.
Walson-Jack described her tenure as a “roller coaster”, characterised by ups and downs, happy and sad moments, noting that the administration overcame its challenges through God’s intervention.
She expressed confidence in Enitan, describing him as someone she had worked closely with over the years and who, she said, had reforms “embedded in his heart”.
She urged civil servants to extend the same support, prayers and commitment they accorded her to the new HCSF.
“If you granted me support, grant him more. If you prayed for me, pray for him more. Whatever you did for me, I plead with you today, do for him more,” she said.
According to her, the ultimate goal should not be about individuals but about Nigeria and the delivery of quality public service to citizens.
“It is not about me. It is not about him. It is not even about you on your seat, but it is about Nigeria.
“The goal is that Nigeria should be greater and that the citizens of Nigeria should enjoy quality service delivery rendered by epic civil servants,” she said.
Walson-Jack also presented the handover notes to Enitan, saying the document contained only a fraction of the reports and activities undertaken during her tenure.
She appreciated President Tinubu for the support given to her to accomplish her assignments throughout the period as the Head of Service.
In his response,
The ceremony ended with handover notes, prayers and goodwill messages as Walson-Jack formally bowed out of office after two years at the helm of the Federal Civil Service.
President Bola Tinubu had appointed Walson-Jack as HCSF with effect from Aug. 14, 2024, while Enitan was appointed her successor on Aug. 19, 2026, with effect from Aug. 27, 2026.
