Wike approves confirmation of 1,659 FCTA workers employed in 2016, 2019

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the confirmation of appointment of 1,659 staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

The affected workers were among 2,281 candidates who participated in a confirmation examination conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission on February 28, 2026.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

According to the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, the workers whose appointments were confirmed included staff employed as far back as 2016 and 2019.

Ezeh explained that 2,512 candidates were initially invited for the confirmation examination, but only 2,281 appeared for the exercise.

“A total of 224 officers were absent, fuelling suspicion that they could be ghost workers,” he said.

He added that while some of the staff had been employed several years ago, others were recruited shortly before Wike assumed office as FCT minister in August 2023.

Meanwhile, the commission has concluded arrangements to conduct the 2025 and 2026 promotion exercises for FCTA staff following the minister’s approval.

Ezeh said the move aligns with the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen and motivate the FCTA workforce.

He also urged candidates to visit the commission’s website to obtain further information regarding the exercise.