In a major boost to morale within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) civil service, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the promotion of more than 2,000 civil servants following the successful completion of promotion examinations conducted late last year. The development has been widely welcomed across the service as a significant affirmation of the administration’s commitment to staff welfare, merit, and professional advancement.
DDM NEWS gathered that the promotions followed a comprehensive promotion exercise conducted between November 25 and November 29, 2025, during which eligible officers across various departments sat for written and computer-based examinations. The process, officials say, was carried out transparently and in line with established civil service rules.
Confirming the development, the minister’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, disclosed that the beneficiaries of the promotion exercise include staff drawn from both the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). According to him, the exercise reflects the minister’s resolve to ensure that hardworking and deserving officers are duly recognised and rewarded.
“The promotions approved by the Honourable Minister followed the examinations conducted from November 25 to 29, 2025,” Olayinka said. “They cut across critical departments within the FCDA and FCTA, reinforcing the administration’s belief that the civil service remains the engine room of governance in the FCT.”
Further details provided to DDM NEWS indicate that the scale of the exercise was extensive, covering a broad spectrum of roles and responsibilities within the FCT civil service. The Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, revealed that officers promoted under the exercise span no fewer than 165 cadres, highlighting the inclusiveness and depth of the process.
Ezeh described the promotion exercise as a clear and practical demonstration of Minister Wike’s commitment to the welfare, motivation, and career progression of civil servants. He noted that timely promotions not only enhance productivity but also strengthen institutional loyalty and professionalism within the public service.
“This exercise is a clear demonstration of the Honourable Minister’s commitment to staff welfare and career progression,” Ezeh said. “It sends a strong message that diligence, competence, and dedication will always be rewarded under this administration.”
He further assured staff that promotion examinations would continue to be conducted as and when due, in line with civil service regulations, dispelling concerns about delays that have historically plagued promotion processes in some public institutions. According to him, the commission is determined to institutionalise a predictable and transparent promotion culture that allows officers to plan their careers with confidence.
In addressing civil servants across the FCT, Ezeh urged officers aspiring for promotion in subsequent years to begin early and adequate preparation. He stressed that promotions would not be automatic but would be based strictly on performance, competence, and success in promotion examinations.
“Only diligent and hardworking staff will be promoted,” he cautioned. “We encourage all officers preparing for the 2025 and 2026 promotion exercises to take their duties seriously and prepare early, because the standards will remain high.”
A key highlight of the exercise, according to the commission chairman, is the continued use of computer-based tests (CBT) for promotion examinations. He reiterated the commission’s commitment to deepening the digitalisation of the promotion process, a reform earlier approved by Minister Wike to enhance transparency, efficiency, and credibility.
Ezeh explained that the adoption of CBT has significantly reduced human interference, improved speed in result processing, and strengthened confidence in the integrity of the promotion system. He added that the commission would continue to invest in digital platforms to modernise personnel management within the FCT civil service.
“The commission remains committed to conducting promotion examinations through computer-based tests,” he said. “This will further deepen the digital platform for promotions earlier approved by the Honourable Minister and ensure fairness across board.”
The approval of the promotions comes at a time when the FCT administration is pushing a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening institutions, improving service delivery, and motivating the workforce to meet growing governance demands in the nation’s capital. Analysts say staff motivation remains critical to achieving these objectives, particularly in a rapidly expanding metropolis like Abuja.
Civil servants who spoke to DDM NEWS expressed appreciation for the timely release of the promotion results, describing the move as a morale booster amid economic pressures and rising living costs. Many said the exercise has restored confidence in the system and reinforced the belief that effort and competence are still valued in public service.
Beyond the immediate benefits to promoted officers, observers believe the exercise sends a wider signal to the entire FCT workforce that professionalism and commitment will continue to be rewarded. It also underscores the Wike-led administration’s emphasis on accountability, structure, and performance-driven governance.
As preparations begin for future promotion exercises, the FCT Civil Service Commission says it will continue to refine processes, expand digital capacity, and uphold merit-based standards, ensuring that the civil service remains a strong and effective partner in the administration of the Federal Capital Territory.
