The Federal Government has started the process of appointing a new Accountant-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretaries to fill existing vacancies. The selection process, which aims to ensure competent appointments, will involve multiple screening stages.
Didi Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, announced this development in a statement released on Monday in Abuja. The statement was issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), Eno Olotu.
Walson-Jack noted that the position of Accountant-General will become vacant in March when the current officeholder retires. Additionally, there are vacancies for Permanent Secretaries due to the retirement of a permanent secretary from Oyo State and an upcoming vacancy in the North West geopolitical zone.
To ensure transparency, the selection process will include a written examination conducted by a top Federal Government security agency. Serving and retired permanent secretaries will set and grade the examination.
Observers from civil society groups, the private sector, professional bodies, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will oversee the process.
Walson-Jack stated that President Bola Tinubu has approved a structured and multi-stage process to ensure that only qualified individuals are appointed. The selection is open to Grade Level 17 officers in the Federal Civil Service who have held their positions for at least two years and have shown interest in participating.
Candidates will undergo several screenings, including verification by their respective permanent secretaries and the Accountant-General’s office. The Career Management Office (CMO) in the HOCSF will compile a list of eligible candidates, which will then be reviewed by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries.
Walson-Jack said: “Candidates will undergo a series of screenings, including verification by their respective permanent secretaries and the Accountant-General to ensure they are not under disciplinary procedures.
“The Career Management Office (CMO) in the office of the HCSF will generate a list of eligible candidates, which will be further screened by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries.
“The process will be under the observation of the ICPC and DSS.”
As part of the process, candidates must declare their assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau and obtain anti-corruption clearance from the DSS, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the ICPC.
The final appointment decision will be made by President Tinubu based on the candidates’ overall performance throughout the selection process.
