OVER 13,000 FCTA STAFF UNDERGO PROMOTION EXERCISE AS COMMISSION PLANS OWN CBT CENTRE

By: Wisdom Acka

A major promotion exercise for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) civil servants is underway, with approximately 13,000 workers sitting for Computer-Based Tests (CBT) this week.

Amid the large-scale examinations, the FCT Civil Service Commission has signaled its intention to acquire a permanent dedicated testing facility to streamline future processes.

Chairman of the Commission, Engr. Emeka Ezeh, expressed this ambition while monitoring the 2025 promotion exams in Abuja on Wednesday, 1 July, 2026, at the Public Service Institute, Dutse, Abuja.

He acknowledged significant improvements in the current exercise but emphasized that a permanent centre would make the process “much, much easier and seamless” by eliminating recurring logistical hurdles.

Abuja Digest reports that the exercise, approved by FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, is scheduled to run until July 10, with about 13,000 FCTA staff expected to participate.

Ezeh highlighted that technical issues and power outages that plagued previous exams had been addressed this time through the deployment of alternative power sources, ensuring a smooth operation independent of the public grid.

“Since you arrived, there has not been any power outage. This has addressed one of the major issues we witnessed in the past,” Ezeh stated.

He noted that the primary challenges on the first day were human-related, with some candidates failing to bring original required documents despite prior notifications. To ensure transparency, the examination is being supervised by commissioners representing all six of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

The Commissioner, representing the North-East in the Commission, , Mohamed Magaji Ibrahim, explained that the exercise is part of a drive to clear promotion backlogs for 2024, 2025, and 2026. Dr. Amos Iliya of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), the coordinating institution, confirmed the exercise commenced punctually with batches of candidates and traffic management by the FRSC.

While praising the regularity of promotions, the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), represented by Comrade Henry Oshowo, described the first day as “encouraging” but called for more functional computers and technical support. Oshowo affirmed that the shift to CBT was a positive step towards global best practices.

Candidate Mustafa Omar from the Abuja Environmental Protection Board reported a “hassle-free” experience without technical difficulties, reflecting the improved administration of this year’s crucial promotion tests.