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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Akwa Ibom state government has employed 7,069 personnel into the state civil service and appointed 21 new permanent secretaries including Acting surveyor-general since Governor Umo Eno assumed office in May 29,2023.
The administration of Pastor Umo Eno has also spent a total of N90 billion as payment of backlog of inherited gratuity liabilities to retired civil servants and implemented N80,000 minimum wage to workers.
The Head of the State Civil Service(HoCS), Mrs. Elsie Peters made the disclosure at a press briefing to flag-off 2016 Public Service Day celebration in Akwa Ibom state .
The Head of Service Mrs Elsie Peters described Eno as the most workers-friendly governor, adding that he has made pragmatic and compassionate interventions in salaries, gratuities, pensions, recruitment, promotions, housing, healthcare, welfare and capacity development among civil servants in Akwa Ibom .
“One of the most significant interventions has been the payment of over N90 billion out of inherited gratuity liabilities of more than N111 billion, owed to retired public servants, with a firm commitment to progressively liquidate the outstanding balance.
“The administration has taken steps towards addressing outstanding contributory pension obligations through the release and ongoing refund of outstanding 7.5 percent pension contributions, strengthening workers’ retirement security and long-term welfare.
“The Government approved pension increases of N15,000 for pensioners who retired between 2007 and 2011, N20,000 for those who retired before 2007, and further N27,000 increase for pensioners who retired before November 1, 2024.
“In 2023, Governor Umo Eno introduced the 13th-month salary, popularly known as “Eno-Mber,” as an additional financial benefit for public servants. The initiative has been sustained as a notable welfare intervention, providing additional financial support during the festive period.
The HoSC further said,”Approximately 4,000 personnel had been recruited by May 2026, with approval for 1,000 additional primary school teachers, while 766 personnel were recruited into the health sector and other critical areas bringing the total recruited to approximately 7,069 personnel
“During the 2024 Public Service Week, Government approved N1.1 billion as a welfare bonus, amounting to N20,000 per worker, to provide additional financial support and cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges
“The administration approved a one-off N1.1 billion wardrobe allowance for more than 20,000 teachers across public primary schools, technical colleges and secondary schools, recognising the important role of teachers in human capital development
“Wage awards were extended to retired principal officers, including former Secretaries to the State Government, Heads of the Civil Service and Permanent Secretaries who retired before 2012” .
