Federal Government Grants Automatic Promotion to Six Civil Servants Abducted on Way to Exams
The federal government has approved automatic promotion for six civil servants who were abducted while travelling to sit for their promotion examinations in 2025.
The affected officers, all staff of the Ministry of Defence, were kidnapped in Kogi State while en route from Lagos to Abuja for the examination.
Tunji Olaopa, chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), announced the decision on Saturday in Abuja.
Olaopa described the incident as deeply regrettable, noting that the promotion was granted as a compassionate response to the trauma experienced by the victims.
He explained that the commission, in consultation with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and other relevant stakeholders, approved the elevation of the officers to their next grade level.
“In consideration of the trauma the victims went through, the commission has, on compassionate grounds, granted automatic promotion to the six candidates,” he said.
He added that the commission commiserated with the affected officers on behalf of the federal civil service, acknowledging the emotional and psychological impact of the ordeal.
Olaopa also revealed that the officers played a significant role during the transition from traditional pen-and-paper examinations to computer-based testing (CBT), describing them as pioneers in the new system, which recorded near 100 percent success.
According to him, the experience has reinforced the need to reform the conduct of promotion examinations, particularly by minimising the risks associated with long-distance travel by candidates.
“The CBT system has enhanced transparency, reduced costs, manpower, and time, while improving reliability, accuracy, and timely processing of results. These officers helped us test the new system and laid a strong foundation for future promotion exercises,” he said.
He further noted that the commission is committed to leveraging technology to decentralise promotion examinations, allowing civil servants to take tests closer to their duty stations and reducing travel-related risks.
Olaopa also highlighted broader systemic challenges within the civil service, including declining professional capacity, workforce planning gaps, and the long-term effects of recruitment embargoes, which have contributed to manpower imbalances and stagnation in career progression.
He said ongoing human resource audits and reforms in performance evaluation are aimed at addressing these issues and strengthening institutional capacity.
The FCSC chairman urged the newly promoted officers to embrace professionalism and align with ongoing reforms, stressing the need for renewed commitment to public service values and national development.