The federal government has commenced the selection process for the appointment of new accountant-general of the federation and permanent secretaries to fill existing vacancies in Oyo state and the North-West geo-political zone.

Didi Walson-Jack, head of the civil service of the federation (HCSF), disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Monday by HCDF director, information and public relations, Eno Olotu.

Mrs Walson-Jack noted that the selection process would include a written examination administered by a top federal government’s security agency, with questions set and marked by serving and retired permanent secretaries.

“Observers from civil society organisations, the private sector, professional bodies, Department of State Services (DSS) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will oversee the exercise.”

Mrs Walson-Jack said the position of accountant-general would become vacant upon the retirement of the incumbent in March.

Mrs Walson-Jack said the permanent secretaries’ vacancies arose following the retirement of the permanent secretary from Oyo state and an impending vacancy in the North-West geopolitical zone.

She said that the selection process, approved by President Bola Tinubu, would be structured and multi-tiered to ensure that only competent and credible individuals are appointed.

According to her, the process is open to serving Grade Level 17 officers in the mainstream of the Federal Civil Service who have held their current positions for at least two years and have expressed interest to participate in the exercise.

“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 SSS,” MrsWalson-Jack said.

According to her, candidates will undergo an asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau and an anti-corruption clearance by the SSS, the EFCC and the ICPC.

“President Tinubu will make the final decision based on candidates’ overall performance,” the HOS said.

According to her, the process reflects the government’s commitment to meritocracy, good governance, and professionalism in public service.

She added that the selection would strengthen institutional capacity and improve service delivery across the civil service. 

(NAN)