Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, the acting Head of Service for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has committed to implementing comprehensive reforms within the civil service. Her goal is to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting effective governance.
Speaking to a select group of journalists at the FCTA headquarters on Wednesday following her appointment, Nathan emphasized the importance of a rule-based civil service. She expressed a strong resolve to elevate professionalism, improve employee welfare, and significantly enhance service delivery across all departments, agencies, and secretariats.
She began by acknowledging the trust placed in her by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, highlighting that her appointment reflects the collective strength of the FCT workforce rather than a personal achievement.
“Prioritizing staff training is essential, as it empowers civil servants to fulfill their responsibilities effectively,” she stated. “The current FCT Minister has demonstrated genuine care and dedication to his team, who are the backbone of our successes, and I am determined to build on these accomplishments.”
Expressing condolences, Nathan paid tribute to her late predecessor, Pastor Grace Adayilo, whom she regarded as both a mentor and sister. She offered prayers for the family, asking for strength during their time of grief.
Nathan’s rise to this position caps a remarkable 33-year tenure in public service within the FCT. Originating from Demsa Local Government Area in Adamawa State, she launched her career in 1991 as an Education Officer II after earning degrees from the University of Maiduguri and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Her career path has been closely linked with the growth of Nigeria’s capital city. Notably, she was among the first 500 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members assigned to the FCT in 1991, where she helped inaugurate the Kubwa temporary orientation camp.
In an interesting full-circle moment, she later became the inaugural permanent secretary of the Youth and Sports Development Secretariat, the agency responsible for overseeing the NYSC program.
As she steps into her new role, Nathan reaffirmed her commitment to the foundational values of transparency, accountability, and collaboration. She concluded by encouraging all civil servants to unite in fostering sustainable development and progress within the FCT, setting a cooperative tone for the reforms ahead.
