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The Head of Service announced that 19 out of 38 directors did not pass the qualifying exam for permanent secretary.
In a recent development within the Federal Civil Service, the selection process for permanent secretaries has revealed a significant challenge. Out of 38 directors who participated in the qualifying examination, only half succeeded in passing the first stage. This process, initiated by the Federal Government through the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), aims to fill vacant permanent secretary positions across eight states.
According to a memo dated October 7, 2024, and signed by the Head of Service, Didi Walson-Jack, directors currently undergoing disciplinary actions were deemed ineligible for consideration. Notably, this appointment process has received the approval of President Bola Tinubu, underscoring its importance in enhancing the efficiency of the civil service.
Recent updates from OHCSF Director of Press, Eno Olotu, indicate that 19 of the eligible directors who sat for the examination have advanced to the second stage. This upcoming assessment, scheduled for November 13, 2024, will evaluate the candidates’ proficiency in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as it pertains to government operations.
The recruitment process is designed to be rigorous, consisting of three stages to ensure that only the most competent candidates are selected. Following the ICT assessment, those who succeed will proceed to the final evaluation on November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior civil servants and private sector experts will conduct the last round of assessments.
This thorough selection process reflects the government’s commitment to appointing capable leaders in the civil service, ultimately aiming to enhance governance and public service delivery in Nigeria.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
