The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially approved the recruitment of 3,000 new workers across three key sectors: civil service, healthcare, and education.
This major employment initiative was announced on Monday by the Head of Civil Service (HOCS), Elder Effiong Essien, during a media briefing to kick off the 2025 Public Service Week Celebration in Uyo.
Sectoral Breakdown of New Jobs
According to Elder Essien, the approved recruitment will allocate:
- 1,000 positions to the mainstream civil service
- 1,000 slots to medical and healthcare professionals
- 1,000 vacancies to the teaching service sector
He explained that the recruitment drive follows a recently concluded public servant verification exercise ordered by Governor Umo Eno in 2024. Out of over 55,000 public servants, only less than 53,000 participated, resulting in the removal of 2,208 ghost workers from the system and creating new vacancies.
“His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, has graciously approved the recruitment of 3,000 workers to fill the gaps and strengthen public service delivery,” Essien said.
Additional Approvals: Promotions, Pension Backlog Clearance
In further efforts to boost staff morale, Governor Umo Eno has also:
- Approved the release of the 2025 promotions for eligible public servants
- Released N2.5 billion to clear the 7.5% contributory pension backlog, suspended since 2013
Elder Essien praised the governor’s pro-labour policies, highlighting recent welfare milestones including:
- The introduction of an ₦80,000 minimum wage
- Prompt payment of salaries and entitlements
- 150 units of two-bedroom flats at Grace Estate for junior civil servants
- Brand-new SUVs donated to permanent secretaries
- A reduction of pension and gratuity arrears from ₦90 billion to ₦30 billion
“Governor Umo Eno has proven to be a worker-friendly leader. His commitment to staff welfare is unmatched,” Essien noted.
Public Service Week 2025: Events and Highlights
This year’s Public Service Week themed “Leveraging Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Service”, kicks off Wednesday, June 25 with a public lecture at the Civil Service Auditorium at 11:00 AM, led by Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy.
Other key events include:
- Friday, June 27: Novelty football match between Civil Service and Local Government Staff at 4:00 PM
- Saturday, June 28: Public service roadwalk, starting 7:00 AM at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Field
- Sunday, June 29: Thanksgiving Service at the International Worship Center, with Governor Umo Eno expected as Special Guest of Honour
