The Federal Government has initiated the process of appointing a new Accountant General of the Federation and filling vacancies for permanent secretaries in the Federal Civil Service.

A memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, dated January 24, 2025, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Career Management Office, Fatima Mahmoud, outlined the timeline for the process.

The memo was addressed to the Offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President,  ministers, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier, in December 2024, appointed Babatunde Ogunjimi as the acting Accountant General of the Federation.

The appointment, announced in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, followed the commencement of pre-retirement leave by the then-incumbent AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein.

However, Madein returned to her duties after receiving a directive extending her tenure until March 7, 2025.

This development led to the reassignment of the acting AGF,  Ogunjimi, who was redeployed to the Public Service Institute of Nigeria as Director of Accounts.

The directive authorising Madein’s continuation was reportedly issued by the Head of Service of the Federation.

According to the spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, the directive reinstated Madein to her role as AGF, enabling her to oversee treasury operations until her retirement.

Mokwa clarified that under civil service regulations, embarking on terminal leave is optional, raising questions among staff about the implications of Madein’s reinstatement on Ogunjimi’s prior appointment as acting AGF.

The new memo by the Head of Service noted that accreditation of eligible candidates for the position of OAGF will commence on January 28 and end on February 1, 2025.

“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.”

The memo further noted that further stages will hold on February 12 and 13, respectively and will be in the form of computer-based tests.

While the final lap, which is the oral interview, will hold on February 14, 2025.