The Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, was conspicuously absent at the two- day ministers retreat holding in Abuja.
Oyo-Ita is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged financial infractions up to the tune of N3billion.
Ahead of their inauguration on Wednesday, ministers-designate are attending a two-day retreat in Abuja.
President Muhammadu Buhari declared the retreat open.
Addressing the ministers, the President said the country and the administration would rely on them to implement policies and programmes to lift Nigerians out of poverty.