By OKON OKON

The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) has begun the process of appointing five Permanent Secretaries, following the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

The positions include two vacancies created by the recent retirement of Permanent Secretaries from Imo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and three zonal vacancies for North-Central, North-East and South-East, arising from the creation of new ministries.

Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, HCSF, in a statement issued by Mrs. Eno Olotu, the Director, Information and Public Relations, said that the process was designed to ensure transparency, credibility and merit in line with government’s commitment to good governance.

According to her, only qualified officers on Grade Level 17 who have spent at least two years on the grade and cleared by their Permanent Secretaries as not facing disciplinary action are eligible.

She said the exercise began with compilation and screening of eligible officers by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, monitored by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Candidates also completed asset declaration forms with the Code of Conduct Bureau, while clearances from EFCC, ICPC and DSS are ongoing.

Walson-Jack said the written examination, the next stage of the process, will hold on Sept. 15 at a Federal Government facility, while successful candidates will proceed to an ICT proficiency test on Sept. 17.

She added that the final stage, an oral interview, will hold on September 19th and will be conducted by a panel of serving and retired Permanent Secretaries, former Heads of Service, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, and representatives of the private sector.

She said: “Anti-corruption agencies will also observe the process.

“The final recommendations will be submitted to the President for approval”.

According to the HOS, the exercise underscores government’s commitment to professionalism, institutional capacity and improved service delivery in the civil service. (NAN)