FCTA PROMOTES 49 DEPUTY DIRECTORS TO DIRECTORS

By: Wisdom Acka

In a historic move that underscores the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) commitment to meritocracy and transparency, 49 deputy directors have been elevated to the rank of director, marking a significant milestone in the civil service landscape of the nation’s capital.

The promotion, approved by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, follows a rigorous Computer-Based Promotion Examination conducted at the National Open University’s Duste-Alhaji Study Centre in Bwari on August 12, 2025.

This groundbreaking exercise, the first of its kind in the FCTA, was designed to clear the backlog of promotion arrears from 2023 to 2025 for Grade Level 16 officers.

Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Eze, revealed that the 49 promoted officers would fill vacancies across various departments, with the Education Officer Cadre leading the pack with 20 promotions.

The Accountant Cadre followed closely with nine, while specialized cadres like Civil Engineering, Social Welfare, Tourism, Fisheries, and Medical Officers each saw one officer rise to the directorate level.

The exercise was not without its fierce competition. For instance, the Education Officer Cadre had 820 eligible officers vying for just 20 slots, while the Administrative Cadre saw 12 officers contesting for 10 vacancies.

Such statistics highlight the intensity of the race and the prestige attached to these promotions.

Abuja Digest recalls that, in his determination to eliminate the shadows of bias and undue influence, the Minister had earlier mandated the Civil Service Commission to adopt a fully technology-driven approach.

This effort resulted in a seamless Computer-Based Test (CBT) model that ensured swift, transparent, and impartial assessments. To further streamline the process, the Commission’s Board of Examiners set a 60% pass mark, ensuring only the most qualified candidates emerged victorious.

Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who disclosed this in a press statement, declared: “This is a new era for the FCTA. The Minister’s directive was clear: let competence, not connections, determine who leads.”

The vocal Minister’s aide continued: “Beyond the personal triumphs of the promoted officers, this exercise signals a broader shift in the FCTA’s operational ethos, one where efficiency, innovation, and fairness take center stage.

“As these 49 Directors assume their new roles, FCT residents can expect a reinvigorated civil service, poised to deliver on the administration’s mandate of excellence.”

Citing the Minister, Olayinka said: “For many, this promotion exercise isn’t just about career advancement; it’s a testament to what’s possible when systems are designed to reward hard work and integrity. This is just the beginning.”