FCSC Grants Automatic Promotion to Civil Servants Kidnapped in Kogi

The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has granted automatic promotion to six civil servants from the Ministry of Defence who were kidnapped in Kogi State in 2025 while travelling from Lagos to Abuja to sit for their promotion examinations.

Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the FCSC, disclosed the decision during an event in Abuja, citing the trauma endured by the victims as the basis for the compassionate promotion.

“The commission, in giving due consideration to the trauma that the victims went through, hereby, on compassionate grounds, grant automatic promotion to the six candidates to their next grade level as Education Officers in the Ministry of Defence,” Olaopa said.

He added that the commission is committed to leveraging technology to decentralize promotion exams, allowing civil servants to take tests without the need to travel to Abuja, thus reducing the risk of future incidents.

The announcement was made at a “Recognition Dinner” held in honour of newly promoted directors in the Federal Service, organised by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Esther Walson-Jack. Olaopa commended her for the initiatives and achievements since her appointment.

The FCSC chairman further highlighted that the new directors are the first group to transition from the traditional pen-and-paper exams to computer-based tests (CBT), achieving nearly 100 per cent success.