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By Temitope Mustapha, Abuja

On Oct 27, 2023

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Tunji Olaopa as the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission.

Professor Olaopa, a renowned expert in public policy, was formerly the Executive Vice Chairman of Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State. He is also a revered professor of Public Policy at the prestigious Lead City University in Ibadan.

In addition to his academic achievements, Professor Olaopa brings with him a wealth of experience in the civil service. He previously served as the Deputy Director and Head of the Technical Secretariat of the Reform Strategy Team and Management Services Office. He has also held positions such as Director of External Linkages & Reforms Department at the Office of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and Director of the MDAs Department at the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.

Having risen through the ranks, Professor Olaopa’s outstanding career in the Nigerian Civil Service culminated in his appointment as a Permanent Secretary.

The Federal Civil Service Commission will also welcome other esteemed individuals as members. Dr. Daudu Ibrahim Jalo, an experienced professional in the field, will represent Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba. Dr. Chamberlain Nwele will serve as a member representing Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu. Mr. Rufus N. Godwins has been nominated as a member representing Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa.

The Commission is further strengthened by the inclusion of Dr. Adamu Hussein, representing Niger and the Federal Capital Territory, and Mr. Aminu Nabegu, representing Jigawa and Kano. Adding to the diverse composition are Ms. Hindatu Abdullahi (Kaduna and Katsina), Mr. Shehu Aliyu (Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara), Ms. Odekunle Rukiyat Aduke (Kogi and Kwara), Mr. Jide Jimoh (Lagos and Ogun), and Dr. Festus Oyebade (Osun and Oyo).

Ms. Gekpe Grace Isu, a former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, has also been nominated to join the Commission, representing Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

It is important to note that these appointments are subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as mandated by Section 154 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, Amended).

The newly appointed leadership of the Federal Civil Service Commission is expected to assume office on November 30, 2023, following the expiration of the tenure of the current Chairman and membership on November 29, 2023.

President Tinubu has expressed high expectations for the new leadership of the Commission. Their mission will be to facilitate the transformation, reorientation, and digitization of the Federal Bureaucracy, ultimately encouraging increased private sector involvement in the development of the Nigerian economy aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

Stay tuned for further updates on this important development.