In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu has sworn in two new Permanent Secretaries and the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, along with 12 Commissioners, marking a key development in the country’s administrative landscape. This swearing-in ceremony took place in Abuja, just before the Federal Executive Council meeting commenced.
Among those sworn in are Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan from Oyo State and Muktar Mohammed from Jigawa State, who will serve as Permanent Secretaries. Additionally, Saviour Enyiekere, an environmental specialist and former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission. Enyiekere and the 12 other Commission members, representing each of the six geopolitical zones, took their oath of office in a single batch before President Tinubu. They are set to serve for a renewable term of five years.
The newly appointed Commission members include notable figures such as Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Yusuf A. Yusuf Tabuka from the Northwest, Aminu Ibrahim Malle and Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud from the Northeast, and Mark Hanmation Tersoo and Salihu Umar Agboola Balogun from the Northcentral. The Southwest is represented by Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Afeez Ipeza-Balogun, while Nnanna Uzor Kalu and Festus Ifesinachi Odii represent the Southeast. The Southsouth region is represented by Patrick A. Giwa and Mrs. Mary Ekpenyong.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, President of the Nigerian Senate Godswill Akpabio, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila. Other notable attendees included Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris.
In a poignant moment, the Council observed a minute’s silence in honor of Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dubem Onyia, who passed away on March 10th, 2025. This gesture reflected the respect and tribute paid to the late minister’s memory.
The swearing-in of these key officials marks an important step in the country’s governance structure, as they are expected to play crucial roles in shaping policy and implementing administrative decisions. As the new appointees begin their tenure, they will be responsible for driving progress and development in their respective domains, ultimately contributing to the nation’s overall growth and prosperity.
