Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office

Dr. Binyerem Chigbonwu Ukaire FWACS, MSc. PH, MBBS is the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

Dr. Binyerem Chigbonwu Ukaire is a distinguished public health physician and obstetrician-gynaecologist with over two decades of exemplary service in Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service. She hails from Ngodo-Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State and was born on 15 August 1968.

She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1992. Dr. Ukaire is a Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and holds a Master’s degree in Public Health (MSc. PH) from the University of South Wales, United Kingdom—credentials that underscore her strong clinical foundation and health systems expertise.

As a seasoned health leader, Dr. Ukaire served as Director and Head of the Department of Family Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, where she provided strategic leadership for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health and Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N) programmes. Under her leadership, the Department played a central role in strengthening RMNCAEH+N services nationwide and supporting the establishment and institutionalisation of Family Health Departments across several states, thereby improving coordination, service delivery, and accountability at sub-national levels.

During her tenure, she was instrumental in the establishment of the Nutrition Department in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, following a Presidential directive in 2022/2023. She also played a key role in the successful hosting of the 17th ECOWAS Nutrition Forum in 2023, which culminated in the historic Abuja Call to Action and the launch of twenty-three national policy documents covering Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health and Nutrition.

Dr. Ukaire has participated in numerous local and international conferences and workshops and has served on the Governing Boards of several Federal Government agencies. In 2020, she represented Nigeria on the WHO Global Advisory Working Group on Private Sector Delivery of Quality Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Services, contributing to global policy dialogue and best practices.

An accomplished author and co-author of several publications, she is also a multiple award recipient, recognised by the Federal Government and development partners for her outstanding contributions to nutrition, maternal, child, adolescent and elderly health strengthening in Nigeria.

Her professional character is defined by excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service to humanity, with a strong focus on advancing sustainable development and equitable health outcomes for all Nigerians.

In recognition of her meritorious service and exceptional leadership, Dr. Binyerem Chigbonwu Ukaire has been graciously appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to represent the South-East Geo-Political Zone in the Body of Federal Permanent Secretaries.