The Cross River State Head of Service, Barr. Orok Bassey Okon, has assured the Cross River State Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) of his administration’s commitment to maintaining a harmonious working relationship with labour in order to improve the welfare of public servants and service delivery across the State.
Barr. Okon gave the assurance on Tuesday during his maiden meeting with JNC leadership at the Executive Council (EXCO) Cafeteria, Governor’s Office, Calabar.
He described dialogue as critical to resolving issues in the civil service and pledged that his office would remain open to partnership with labour in tackling workers’ concerns.
“We appreciate your continued partnership with government. This administration is ready to work collaboratively with you to build a more efficient, productive and motivated workforce,” the HoS said.
To strengthen accountability, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Barr. Lucy Bassey, presented the State’s newly introduced Performance Management Framework (PMF).
She explained that the modern appraisal system is designed to set measurable targets, monitor productivity, and align the activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with the development priorities of the Cross River State Government.
The meeting also addressed key issues affecting workers, including the ongoing staff verification and biometric exercise, promotion exercises and backlogs, as well as outstanding pension and gratuity payments.
The JNC, in turn, presented feedback from workers across MDAs, highlighting workplace challenges and areas requiring government intervention. Both sides exchanged views and agreed on practical steps to improve the working environment and staff welfare.
The engagement ended with a joint commitment by the Office of the Head of Service and the Joint Negotiating Council to sustain dialogue, deepen collaboration, and pursue reforms that will advance the welfare of civil servants and improve public service delivery in Cross River State.
In attendance were the Special Adviser on Labour, Barr. Clarkson Otu; the Accountant General, Dr. (Mrs.) Glory Effiong; Dr. (Mrs.) Mary-Theresa Agede Ebe; Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of Service; representatives of all affiliate unions under JNC; and other senior government officials.
