The Cross River State Government has announced sweeping reforms to strengthen its civil and public service, including immediate implementation of pending promotions, fresh recruitment, enhanced training, and improved welfare for civil servants.
Speaking at the 2025 Civil Service Day celebration at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Deputy Governor Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, commended civil servants as the “engine room of governance” and pledged that all outstanding promotions would be effected without delay.
Odey disclosed that over 2,000 new workers had recently been recruited into the service and were undergoing training, with plans for additional capacity building in digital skills and opportunities for training outside the state and abroad. He also announced that all civil servants would be registered with the State Insurance Services to cover their healthcare needs.
“For those who have retired, His Excellency has released ₦10 billion to settle gratuities from 2009 to 2015, and the second tranche will be paid soon,” he said, warning that promotions would henceforth be based strictly on merit and not personal connections.
In his keynote address, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh stressed that a productive civil service requires not only salaries and facilities but also fairness, unity, trust, and strong leadership.
“A toxic work environment, where there is no communication or fairness, cannot be efficient,” he said, urging leaders to promote on merit, post officers based on competence, and ensure continuous training.
Delivering the day’s public lecture, Rev. Dr. Bob Etta called for discipline, ethical conduct, and healthy lifestyles among workers, warning against workplace favoritism and urging leaders to treat junior officers with respect.
“Those you treat poorly today may be the ones to process your gratuity tomorrow,” he said.
The Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Eti-Eka Lawrencia Ita, reiterated the government’s commitment to building a dynamic, innovative, and citizen-centred service. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour, Comrade Clarkson Otu, described civil servants as “the unseen hands that keep governance running.”
In his address, the Head of Service, Dr. Innocent Eteng, described the 2025 Civil and Public Service Day celebration as a significant milestone for the present administration. He expressed deep gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu for prioritising the welfare of workers through recent recruitment exercises, the release of ₦10 billion for payment of gratuities to retirees, and the prompt implementation of promotions for civil servants across the state.
Chairmen of the State Civil Service Commission, Sir Maurice Effiwatt, and the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Darlington Bassey, also commended the administration and the Head of Service for positive reforms.
The 2025 celebration, now designated an annual event, brought together government officials, union leaders, and workers to reflect on challenges, share ideas, and chart a renewed course for efficient service delivery in Cross River State.
The event climaxed with presentation of award to Governor Otu for his welfarist and civil service disposition, as well as recognition of deserving civil servants who have distinguished themselves in their respective offices. The awardees comprised 13 recipients in the directorate cadre and 39 in the non-directorate level.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Mr. Augustine Ikukong, told newsmen that the award would serve as a motivation for greater commitment to the service of the state. He lauded the office of the Head of Service for deeming it necessary to reward hardworking individuals within the employ of the State Government.
