Tinubu Appoints Adeladan Olarinre, Mukhtar Muhammed as Permanent Secretaries

In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s civil service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre and Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed as new permanent secretaries. This decision underscores the administration’s ongoing commitment to efficiency, transparency, and effective governance.

The appointment of Mr. Olarinre and Mr. Muhammed follows a rigorous selection process designed to identify individuals with outstanding qualifications, integrity, and extensive experience in public administration. By placing competent leaders in key government positions, the Tinubu administration seeks to elevate service delivery and enhance governance nationwide.

Who Are the New Permanent Secretaries?

Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre (Oyo State)

Hailing from Oyo State, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new position. His deep understanding of governance and administrative policies will play a critical role in driving efficiency within Nigeria’s federal civil service.

Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed (North-West Zone)

Representing Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, Mr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed has a distinguished career in public service. His appointment reflects the government’s dedication to regional representation and effective policy implementation.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, commended President Tinubu for prioritizing merit-based selections. She highlighted that these appointments reinforce the administration’s vision of a competent, professional, and efficient civil service, which remains a cornerstone for national development.

Mrs. Walson-Jack expressed confidence that the newly appointed permanent secretaries will introduce innovative strategies to streamline government operations, improve policy execution, and enhance public service delivery across various ministries and agencies.

This latest development follows a series of appointments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s civil service:

• December 2024 – Eight new permanent secretaries were appointed to fill key vacancies across various states, including Abia, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Kebbi, Rivers, and Kaduna.
• June 2024 – Another batch of eight permanent secretaries was appointed, representing Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Jigawa, Ondo, Zamfara, South-East, and South-South regions.

By consistently appointing qualified professionals to lead critical government functions, President Tinubu aims to modernize Nigeria’s civil service and ensure efficient execution of national policies.

These appointments mark a pivotal moment in the Tinubu administration’s governance strategy. By filling crucial leadership positions with competent individuals, the government reinforces its commitment to:

✅ Enhancing public service efficiency
✅ Ensuring policy continuity and implementation
✅ Strengthening institutional transparency
✅ Promoting national development through strategic governance

The newly appointed permanent secretaries will be instrumental in supporting the government’s economic, infrastructural, and administrative policies, ensuring that Nigeria’s bureaucratic framework remains robust, responsive, and results-driven.

President Tinubu’s appointment of Adeladan Olarinre and Mukhtar Muhammed as permanent secretaries signifies a strategic step towards governance excellence. Their leadership is expected to introduce new efficiencies, policy innovations, and institutional improvements that will positively impact governance and public administration in Nigeria.

With these merit-based appointments, the administration continues its mission of fostering a transparent, effective, and development-driven civil service, ensuring that Nigeria remains on the path to sustainable growth and national progress.