Governor Otu Reopens Civil Service Employment After 25 Years in Cross River

Governor Bassey Otu

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has lifted a 25-year ban on hiring in the state’s civil service. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Calabar on Wednesday.

Ekpang noted that the last major recruitment in the civil service took place in 1999, and the state now plans to hire 2,000 people in the first phase of the new recruitment drive. This process will start immediately and will involve all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

He explained that the previous administration had attempted to hire new workers, but the current government found many issues with that process. Ekpang emphasized that the state’s civil service is now seriously understaffed, making this recruitment effort timely and necessary.

When asked about the possibility of implementing a N70,000 minimum wage, Ekpang responded that it would be considered at the appropriate time.

In a separate development, Governor Otu praised the residents of Cross River State for not participating in the nationwide “Hunger Protest” that began on August 1, especially acknowledging the youth for their commitment to maintaining peace in the state.