In a significant administrative development within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has appointed Mrs. Sabanti Nathan as the Acting Head of Service of the FCT Administration. The announcement comes in the wake of the untimely passing of the former Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, on September 1, 2025. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the FCT Administration as it navigates a transitional period while maintaining continuity in governance and public service delivery in Nigeria’s capital.
The appointment was formally communicated through a statement released on Tuesday by Mr. Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister. According to the statement, “Mrs. Sabanti Nathan’s appointment as Acting Head of Service takes immediate effect and will remain in place until a substantive Head of Service is named.” This move underscores the urgency of ensuring seamless leadership within the FCT Administration during a period of mourning and transition.
Background on Mrs. Sabanti Nathan
Mrs. Sabanti Nathan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role as Acting Head of Service. Prior to this appointment, she served as the Permanent Secretary of the Youth Development Secretariat within the FCT Administration, a position where she demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing youth-focused policies and programs. Her tenure in this role was marked by initiatives aimed at empowering young people in the FCT, including skill acquisition programs, entrepreneurship support, and community engagement projects designed to foster socio-economic development.
Before her stint as Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Nathan held the position of Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the FCT Minister. In this capacity, she was instrumental in overseeing the financial and administrative operations of the ministry, ensuring efficient resource allocation and compliance with budgetary regulations. Her background in financial management and public administration has equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of leading the FCT Administration during this interim period.
Mrs. Nathan’s appointment reflects Minister Wike’s confidence in her ability to steer the FCT Administration effectively while a permanent replacement for the late Mrs. Adayilo is sought. Her extensive experience within the FCT’s administrative framework positions her as a capable leader to maintain stability and continuity in the territory’s governance.
Context of the Appointment
The passing of Mrs. Grace Adayilo on September 1, 2025, sent shockwaves through the FCT Administration and the wider Nigerian public service community. Mrs. Adayilo was a respected figure, known for her dedication to public service and her contributions to the development of the FCT. Her sudden demise created a leadership vacuum that necessitated swift action to ensure the smooth functioning of the FCT Administration, which oversees critical aspects of governance in Nigeria’s capital, including urban planning, infrastructure development, and public service delivery.
The role of the Head of Service in the FCT is a critical one, as it involves coordinating the activities of various secretariats, departments, and agencies under the FCT Administration. The Head of Service is responsible for ensuring that the policies and directives of the FCT Minister are implemented effectively, while also maintaining high standards of professionalism and efficiency within the civil service. Given the strategic importance of the FCT as Nigeria’s political and administrative capital, the appointment of an Acting Head of Service was a matter of urgency to prevent disruptions in governance.
Minister Wike’s decision to appoint Mrs. Nathan as Acting Head of Service reflects a strategic approach to leadership transition. By selecting an individual with deep institutional knowledge and a proven track record within the FCT Administration, the minister has prioritized continuity and stability. The statement from Mr. Olayinka emphasized that Mrs. Nathan’s appointment is temporary, pending the selection of a substantive Head of Service. This suggests that a thorough and deliberate process will be undertaken to identify a permanent replacement, ensuring that the best candidate is chosen to lead the FCT Administration in the long term.
The Role of the FCT Administration
The Federal Capital Territory Administration is a unique entity within Nigeria’s governance structure. Established to oversee the administration of the FCT, it plays a pivotal role in managing the affairs of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. The FCT Administration is responsible for a wide range of functions, including urban development, infrastructure maintenance, education, healthcare, and public safety. It operates under the leadership of the FCT Minister, who is appointed by the President of Nigeria and serves as the chief executive of the territory.
The Head of Service, as the administrative head of the FCT’s civil service, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the minister’s vision and policies are translated into actionable programs. This involves coordinating the activities of various secretariats, such as those for education, health, transportation, and youth development, among others. The Head of Service also serves as a bridge between the political leadership and the civil service, ensuring that administrative processes align with the strategic objectives of the FCT Administration.
Under Minister Wike’s leadership, the FCT Administration has pursued an ambitious agenda focused on infrastructure development, urban renewal, and improving the quality of life for residents of the FCT. Projects such as road construction, housing development, and the modernization of public facilities have been central to his tenure. The appointment of an Acting Head of Service is therefore critical to sustaining the momentum of these initiatives, particularly during a period of transition.
Mrs. Nathan’s Mandate as Acting Head of Service
As Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Sabanti Nathan is tasked with maintaining the operational efficiency of the FCT Administration while providing leadership to the civil service. Her immediate priorities are likely to include ensuring the continuity of ongoing projects, maintaining staff morale in the wake of Mrs. Adayilo’s passing, and fostering collaboration among the various secretariats and departments under her purview. Given her background in youth development, Mrs. Nathan may also bring a unique perspective to the role, emphasizing policies that empower young people and promote inclusive development in the FCT.
Her experience as Director of Finance and Administration will be particularly valuable in managing the FCT’s budgetary and financial operations. The FCT Administration oversees significant resources, and ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in their use is a key responsibility of the Head of Service. Mrs. Nathan’s familiarity with these processes positions her to effectively manage the financial aspects of the administration while supporting the minister’s development agenda.
Additionally, Mrs. Nathan will need to navigate the complex dynamics of the FCT’s political and administrative environment. The FCT is a melting pot of Nigeria’s diverse population, and its administration requires sensitivity to the needs of various stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government agencies. As Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nathan will play a key role in ensuring that the FCT Administration remains responsive to these diverse interests.
Minister Wike’s Leadership and Vision
Since assuming office as the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has earned a reputation as a dynamic and results-oriented leader. A former governor of Rivers State, Wike has brought his trademark energy and focus on infrastructure development to the FCT. His tenure has been characterized by bold initiatives aimed at transforming Abuja into a modern, efficient, and livable capital city. Projects such as the rehabilitation of major roads, the construction of new infrastructure, and the revitalization of public spaces have been central to his vision.
Wike’s decision to appoint Mrs. Nathan as Acting Head of Service reflects his commitment to ensuring that the FCT Administration remains agile and effective, even in the face of unexpected challenges such as the loss of a key official. By selecting a seasoned administrator with a deep understanding of the FCT’s operations, Wike has demonstrated his focus on maintaining continuity while pursuing his ambitious development goals.
Looking Ahead: The Search for a Substantive Head of Service
While Mrs. Nathan’s appointment provides immediate stability, the FCT Administration will soon begin the process of selecting a substantive Head of Service. This process is expected to be thorough, involving consultations with key stakeholders and a rigorous evaluation of potential candidates. The new Head of Service will need to build on the legacy of Mrs. Adayilo while aligning with Minister Wike’s vision for the FCT.
In the meantime, Mrs. Nathan’s leadership will be critical in maintaining the FCT Administration’s momentum. Her ability to navigate the challenges of the role while fostering collaboration and efficiency will set the tone for the administration’s performance in the coming months.
Conclusion
The appointment of Mrs. Sabanti Nathan as Acting Head of Service of the FCT Administration marks a significant step in ensuring continuity and stability in Nigeria’s capital territory. With her extensive experience in public administration and her proven track record within the FCT, Mrs. Nathan is well-positioned to lead the administration during this transitional period. As the FCT Administration mourns the loss of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, Mrs. Nathan’s leadership will be instrumental in sustaining the progress of ongoing projects and advancing the minister’s vision for a modern and vibrant Abuja. The coming months will be a critical test of her ability to steer the FCT Administration through this period of change, while the search for a permanent Head of Service continues.
