The Cross River State Due Process and Price Intelligence Bureau has organised a one-day in-house training for personnel recruited from 2019 to date, in a bid to strengthen professionalism, efficiency and accountability in the public service. Held on Monday at the Bureau’s headquarters in Calabar, the training was in line with a directive from the Office of the Head of Service and aimed at equipping newer staff with essential administrative and operational skills. Declaring the programme open, the Director-General of the Bureau, Hon. Charles Atu, commended the Governor for his vision of a more efficient civil service and applauded the Head of Service for championing continuous capacity development. Describing the seminar as an opportunity for staff to upgrade their capabilities, Atu urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve conduct and productivity. He further charged personnel to comply with civil service rules, approved dress codes and administrative guidelines, stressing that discipline is critical to effective service delivery. In her session on ethics and discipline, the Head of Administration, Mrs. Virtue-Asari, sensitised staff on the updated public service guidelines issued in March 2026. She warned against lateness, absenteeism, loitering and truancy, while emphasising confidentiality, professional conduct, proper dressing and compliance with disciplinary, leave and promotion regulations. The Head of ICT, Dr. Godwin Nkpe, trained participants on the effective use of digital communication tools including email, WhatsApp, SMS and corporate social media. He noted that digital literacy can boost productivity and reduce operational costs. Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Accounts, Mr. Monday Obeten, took staff through financial regulations and accountability. He explained the legal framework guiding government transactions and stressed the need for proper retirement of business advances with complete supporting documents. Giving an overview of the Bureau’s mandate, Mrs. Cecilia Adie said the agency is responsible for ensuring compliance with procurement procedures, preventing unauthorised expenditure, conducting market price intelligence, registering government contracts and administering tender fees. Adie acknowledged that Bureau personnel often work extended hours to meet public service demands, and commended the Head of Service, Director-General and Head of Administration for supporting the training. The Bureau has recommended that the programme be institutionalised and held quarterly to ensure continuous staff development and sustain efficiency in the discharge of its mandate.
By Victoria Egbe
