President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday swore in five new permanent secretaries and the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, in a ceremony held just before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), meeting at the State House, Abuja.
The brief but formal event marked yet another step in the administration’s ongoing effort to strengthen the federal bureaucracy and reposition strategic national institutions for improved performance and service delivery.
Five New Permanent Secretaries Take Oath of Office
The President administered the oath of office to the following permanent secretaries:
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Dr. John Chidiebere Ezeamama — Imo State
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Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ozi — Nasarawa State
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Dr. Abdul Sule Usman Garba — North Central
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Dr. Ishiyaku Musa Mohammed — North East
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Dr. Binyerem Chigbonwu Ukaire — South East
Each of the appointees brings a strong record of public service and technical expertise to the federal civil service.
Dr. John Chidiebere Ezeamama (Imo State)
Dr. Ezeamama began his career as a medical officer at the State House Medical Centre. He holds an MBBS from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an MBA. At 54, he has undergone specialised professional training at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London and at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, fortifying his credentials in clinical and administrative healthcare.
Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ozi (Nasarawa State)
Ozi, 57, is a seasoned financial administrator. With a B.Sc. in Accounting from Bayero University Kano, he joined the Federal Civil Service in 1992 and steadily rose through the ranks. Before his appointment as Permanent Secretary, he served as Director of the Inspectorate Department in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and previously as Director in other key finance units.
Dr. Abdul Sule Usman Garba (North Central)
Dr. Garba, 56, holds a medical degree (MBBS), from the University of Jos and is a Primary Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons. Since joining the Federal Civil Service in 1999 as a medical officer at the State House Medical Centre, he has built a distinguished career, culminating in his promotion to Director in 2019. He is also an alumnus of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Course 46.
Dr. Ishiyaku Musa Mohammed (North East)
A respected veterinary doctor and public health expert, Dr. Ishiyaku earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He later obtained a Master of Science in Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Since joining the civil service in 2009 as an Assistant Director, he rose steadily to Director in 2022.
Dr. Binyerem Chigbonwu Ukaire (South East)
Dr. Ukaire is a highly trained medical professional with a strong background in public health and clinical practice, recognised across various professional circles. His appointment represents the South East geopolitical zone.
NPC Chairman and Two Commissioners Also Sworn In
Alongside the permanent secretaries, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, the newly appointed Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), took the oath of office.
He was sworn in together with two other members of the NPC Board:
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Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu
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Tonga Betara Bulatafa
Dr. Aminu Yusuf: A Scholar and Public Administrator
Dr. Yusuf, 65, brings decades of academic and administrative experience to the helm of the NPC. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy (MIAD), from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He later obtained a doctorate in International Relations from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. His combination of scientific training and diplomatic expertise is expected to enhance the Commission’s capacity ahead of national demographic exercises.
Significance of the Ceremony
The swearing-in underscores the President Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to strengthening institutional leadership. Permanent secretaries are critical drivers of federal policy implementation, and the strategic selection across different regions reflects an effort to ensure both competence and inclusivity.
Similarly, the NPC leadership renewal is timely, considering Nigeria’s pressing need for accurate demographic data to support national planning, economic development, and resource allocation.
With the new appointments formalised, President Tinubu is expected to charge the officials with upholding professionalism, transparency, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
May Nigeria succeed.
