The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Wednesday, swore in six new permanent secretaries in the Federal Civil Service at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

The swearing-in which took place from 10:05 – 10:30 am came shortly before the commencement of this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting.

The appointees and their states of origin are: Mahmud Kambari (Borno State), Esuabana Nko-Asanye (Cross River), Lamuwa Ibrahim (Gombe), (Yakubu Kofar-Mata (Kano), Oloruntola Michael (Ogun) and Richard Pheelangwah (Taraba State).

While reading the citation of the new officers, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the event marked the culmination of a weeks-long prequalification exercise for directors by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

“Mr President, six persons have fulfilled the conditions as permanent secretaries after a selection exercise recently conducted for directors.

“This exercise involved competency tests and interactions with a wide range of stakeholders,” he said.

The swearing-in comes barely one month after Buhari approved their appointments.

On March 29, 2023, the Head of Civil of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, announced that the President approved the appointment of the six permanent secretaries in the Federal Civil Service following the recently conducted selection process.

Afterwards, the Federal Executive Council began in earnest with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Head of Civil Service, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, the President’s Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.) in attendance.

Also present are the Ministers of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Science and Technology, Olorunimbe Mamora; Finance, Zainab Ahmed; Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo; Agriculture, Mohammed Abubakar; Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; Information, Lai Mohammed; Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite; Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami; Sports, Sunday Dare, amongst others.

Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is away in the United States of America where he delivered a special lecture at the University of Pennsylvania advocating a just energy transition for Africa in the light of Climate Change.

He is expected back in Abuja later on Wednesday.