Intense lobbying as FG launches search for new Accountant-General, Perm. Secs

Top officials in the federal civil service have begun intense lobbying as the federal government initiates the selection process for a new Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) and two federal permanent secretaries.

According to a statement from Eno Olotu, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on Monday, the two permanent secretary positions became vacant due to the recent retirement of the permanent secretary from Oyo State and an impending vacancy in the North-West geopolitical zone.

Additionally, the position of Accountant-General of the Federation will become vacant in March 2025 when the incumbent, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, is expected to retire.

Rigorous Selection Process

To ensure a transparent and merit-driven process, the federal government has outlined strict evaluation criteria for candidates.

The appointment process will be open to serving Grade Level 17 officers in the mainstream Federal Civil Service, who have held their positions for at least two years and meet the eligibility requirements.

Candidates must:

Be screened and confirmed by their permanent secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation to ensure they have no disciplinary issues.

Undergo verification screening by a Committee of Permanent Secretaries, with oversight from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Declare their assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

Obtain anti-corruption clearance from the DSS, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and ICPC.

Examinations and ICT Proficiency Test

The selection process will also include:

A written examination conducted at a top Federal Government security agency, with questions set and marked by a panel of serving and retired permanent secretaries. Observers will include civil society organizations, the organized private sector, professional associations, DSS, and ICPC.

An ICT proficiency test in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with supervision from ICPC and DSS.

Final Appointment by President Tinubu

The final selection will be made by President Bola Tinubu, who will consider the best-performing candidates based on their performance throughout the selection process.

Controversy Over Accountant-General Position

The search for a new AGF follows controversy surrounding the pre-retirement leave of Dr. Madein.

In December 2024, Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the appointment of Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the acting AGF. However, a directive from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) reversed this, asking Madein to continue in office until March 2025.

This decision led to tension in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) as senior officials awaited clarity on the future of the role.

With the selection process now underway, all eyes are on President Tinubu’s final decision on who will assume the critical positions.