The Federal Government has commenced the selection process for a new Accountant General of the Federation and is also working to fill vacancies for permanent secretaries within the Federal Civil Service.
A memo dated 24 January 2025 from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, Fatima Mahmoud, outlined the timeline for the process.
The memo was sent to the Offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, ministers, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies.
Naija News recalls that in December 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed Babatunde Ogunjimi as acting Accountant General following the commencement of pre-retirement leave by the then-AGF, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein.
The appointment was announced in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
However, Dr Madein’s tenure was subsequently extended until 7 March 2025 by a directive from the Head of Service, allowing her to return to her duties.
This decision led to the reassignment of Ogunjimi, who was redeployed to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria as Director of Accounts.
Spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General, Bawa Mokwa, clarified that civil service regulations permit terminal leave to be optional.
He noted that Dr Madein’s reinstatement raised questions within the treasury department regarding its impact on Ogunjimi’s acting appointment.
Recruitment Process for Accountant General
The memo from the Head of Service detailed the accreditation process for candidates, set to begin on 28 January and end on 1 February 2025.
It also outlined the examination schedule for eligible candidates:
– Stage 1: Written Examination for eligible Candidates from North-West Zone and Oyo State on Monday, February 10, 2025.
– Stage 2: Written Examination for eligible Candidates/Directors (Accounts) in the Pool of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation on February 11, 2025.
– Subsequent Stages: Computer-based tests scheduled for 12 and 13 February 2025.
– Final Stage: Oral interviews to take place on 14 February 2025