President Bola Tinubu has approved the reinstatement of M.S. Danjuma, the Permanent Secretary for Finance (Special Duties), with effect from October 21, 2026. This decision ends a suspension that lasted exactly two months, according to a letter dated October 22, 2026, signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel.
Background of the Suspension
Danjuma was initially suspended on August 21, 2026, alongside two other Permanent Secretaries. The suspension followed a report submitted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) that raised concerns about the operations of an entity called the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office.
The ICPC report described the body as a purported agency allegedly promoted by one George Buchi Nwabueze. The report also indicated suspected involvement by public servants working within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This prompted the federal government to place the officials on suspension pending further review.
Presidential Directive for Reinstatement
Following a period of due diligence, President Tinubu directed Danjuma to resume his duties in strict accordance with the Public Service Rules, applicable regulations, and the ethical standards governing the Federal Civil Service. The reinstatement signals that inquiries into Danjuma's specific conduct during the period in question have been resolved to the satisfaction of the presidency.
However, the broader investigation into the affairs of the alleged agency and other individuals involved remains a separate matter, according to the report.
Related Appointment
In a separate development, President Tinubu approved the appointment of former Department of State Services (DSS) Director-General Yusuf Bichi to chair the NISS Governing Board. Bichi's four-year appointment takes effect from October 22, 2026, under the NISS Establishment Act of 2019. The appointment followed a recommendation from the current DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
