Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appointed Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan as the Acting Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Her appointment follows the passing of the former Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, who died on Monday last week.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, confirmed that Mrs. Sabanti will serve in an acting capacity until a substantive Head of Service is appointed.
The statement added that her appointment takes immediate effect.
Before this new role, Mrs. Sabanti was the Permanent Secretary of the Youth Development Secretariat in the FCTA. She also previously served as the Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the FCT Minister — a role that gave her direct experience working closely with top leadership in the administration.
Her promotion to Acting Head of Service marks a continuation of her long service within the FCTA system.
The position of Head of Service is a key one within the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The office oversees the operations of the civil service within the FCT, ensuring proper implementation of government policies, efficient administration, and coordination of secretariats, departments, and agencies under the FCTA.
Mrs. Sabanti’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure continuity within the FCTA, especially at a time when various reform and development efforts are underway across the capital city.
Her experience, both in finance and administration, is expected to be valuable in managing the affairs of the civil service, which plays a vital role in executing government policies and service delivery in the FCT.
Although the appointment is temporary, it signals the confidence Minister Wike has in her ability to lead and maintain stability following the sudden loss of Mrs. Adayilo.
Mrs. Grace Adayilo, the former Head of Service, passed away last week after reportedly taking ill. Her death shocked many within the FCTA and beyond, as she was known for her dedication to public service and administrative reforms.
During her time in office, she was praised for efforts to improve civil service efficiency and ensure staff welfare.
Tributes poured in from senior government officials, civil servants, and members of the public who remembered her as a disciplined, hardworking leader.
Her passing created a gap in the administration, which the appointment of Mrs. Sabanti now seeks to fill.
While Mrs. Sabanti holds the office in an acting capacity, it remains to be seen who will be appointed as the substantive Head of Service in the coming weeks or months. For now, her job will be to ensure the smooth functioning of the FCTA civil service.
