Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot
The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced the issuance of appointment letters to successful candidates in the state’s recent civil service recruitment exercise.
The State Head of Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, disclosed this on Monday, September 14, 2026, while briefing journalists at Government House, Uyo. She was responding to questions on the delay in releasing the outcome of the recruitment exercise.
Mrs Peters said Governor Umo Eno had approved the recruitment of 7,069 personnel into the state civil service between 2025 and 2026, adding that appointment letters were currently being issued to candidates who successfully completed the recruitment process.
She also addressed concerns surrounding the allocation of houses at the Grace Estate to civil servants, clarifying that the houses were provided free to eligible beneficiaries. She explained, however, that interested civil servants were required to pay N50,000 as an Expression of Interest fee to participate in the allocation process.
According to her, the payment was not a charge for the houses, but a fee attached to the Expression of Interest process.
"What happened rather was that those who were interested were asked to purchase an 'Expression of Interest' form, for the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira. No amount of money was demanded as requirement for them to get the house" she clarified.
It would be recalled that the State had previously announced the allocation of 150 housing units at Grace Estate to civil servants on Grade Levels 1–8 through a transparent selection process.
The Head of Service spoke as part of activities preceding the 2026 Civil Service Week, which she said provides an opportunity to acknowledge developments and reforms affecting workers in the State.
Among the measures highlighted was the implementation of the N80,000 minimum wage for public servants and the payment of the 13th-month salary, popularly known as “Eno-Mber.” The N80,000 minimum wage and 13th-month salary had been announced by the state government as part of its workers’ welfare measures.
On pension and gratuity payments, available government records show that the administration inherited a backlog of N111 billion in gratuities and other emoluments owed to retirees from 2012. By April 2026, Governor Eno reported that more than N82 billion had been paid towards the inherited obligations.
The Head of Service also cited the implementation of the outstanding 7.5% contributory pension obligations as part of the administration’s workers’ welfare measures. The State government had previously announced approval for the refund of outstanding 7.5% contributory pension contributions.
She further listed the appointment of Permanent Secretaries and the Surveyor-General, provision of housing opportunities for civil servants, enrolment of workers in the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme, payment of leave grants and interventions in the education sector among measures undertaken by the administration.
The 2026 Civil Service Week will feature a range of activities, including sporting events, a fitness walk, carnival float, inter-denominational thanksgiving service, as well as a gala and awards night.
The activities are scheduled to run from Monday, September 14, through Friday, October 2, 2026.
No comments:
Post a Comment