Tinubu swears in 5 Permanent Secretaries, NPC Chairman amid renewed push for administrative efficiency

By James Ike

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in five newly appointed permanent secretaries and the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House, Abuja.

Speaking at the brief ceremony, President Tinubu said the appointments were aimed at strengthening the federal bureaucracy and improving service delivery across ministries and agencies. “This administration is committed to building a civil service that is professional, accountable, and driven by excellence,” he said. “You must justify the confidence reposed in you.”

Those sworn in as permanent secretaries include Dr. John Chidiebere Ezeamama (Imo State), Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ozi (Nasarawa State), Dr. Abdul Sule Usman Garba (North Central), Dr. Ishiyaku Musa Mohammed (North East), and Dr. Binyerem Chigbonwu Ukaire (South East).

The President also administered the oath of office to the newly appointed Chairman of the National Population Commission, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, alongside two members of the NPC Board, Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu and Tonga Betara Bulatafa.

In a brief remark after the swearing-in, the President charged the new NPC leadership to uphold professionalism in the execution of national assignments. “Accurate population data is critical for national planning. I expect diligence, transparency, and commitment from the new team,” he said.

The appointees bring decades of experience to their new roles.

Dr. Ezeamama, 54, began his career as a medical officer at the State House Medical Centre. A graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he also holds an MBA and has undergone advanced training at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London and the University of Cape Town.

Ozi, 57, an accountant by training, joined the civil service in 1992 and rose to become Director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. He was, until his appointment, Director of the Inspectorate Department in the same office.

Dr. Garba, 56, a surgeon and Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons, joined the civil service in 1999. He became a director in 2019 and is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Course 46.

Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed, 57, a veterinarian, joined the civil service in 2009 and became a director in 2022. He holds degrees from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master’s in Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

Dr. Ukaire, 57, is a medical doctor and Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons with an additional Master’s in Public Health from the University of South Wales, UK.

NPC Chairman Dr. Yusuf, 65, holds degrees in Biology, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and a PhD in International Relations.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the ceremony in a statement issued in Abuja.