The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has appointed Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan as Acting Head of Service following the sudden death of Mrs. Grace Adayilo, who passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025.
The announcement was made on Tuesday morning in a statement signed by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media. Nathan, a seasoned technocrat and member of the National Institute (mni), assumes office immediately in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Head of Service.
Her elevation marks a swift transition after the loss of Adayilo, who made history in October 2024 as the first female and first indigenous Head of Service of the FCTA. Adayilo’s tenure was widely celebrated as a groundbreaking moment for the FCT Civil Service Commission, established only a year earlier in October 2023.
If confirmed, Nathan will become only the second woman to lead the FCT civil service. Before her appointment, she served as the Permanent Secretary in the Youth Development Secretariat of the FCT. She also previously held the position of Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, demonstrating extensive experience in public administration and financial management.
Her appointment comes at a critical time as the FCTA navigates the dual challenge of honoring Adayilo’s legacy while pushing forward on reforms in youth empowerment, administrative efficiency, and public sector accountability. Nathan’s reputation as a meticulous administrator and reform-minded leader is expected to shape her tenure in the coming weeks.
The statement noted: “Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, mni, has been appointed as Acting Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Until her appointment, she was the Permanent Secretary, Youth Development Secretariat. The appointment takes immediate effect.”
Observers say the decision underscores the administration’s determination to maintain stability in the FCT bureaucracy, while providing continuity in service delivery across ministries and secretariats. Her track record of balancing financial prudence with developmental priorities could prove vital as Abuja continues to expand as the nation’s capital.
