Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has defended his administration’s recruitment of 4,000 new public servants, saying the exercise was necessary to fill existing vacancies and improve efficiency in the state civil service.
Eno explained that the recruitment followed a staff verification exercise conducted after he assumed office, which uncovered more than 2,000 ghost workers alongside several retired employees who were still on the government’s payroll.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during an orientation programme for the newly employed workers at the Ibom Tropicana Event Centre in Uyo, the governor said removing the irregularities exposed significant manpower shortages across government offices.
He maintained that the recruitment was not intended to increase the size of the workforce unnecessarily but to ensure that government institutions had enough qualified personnel to deliver effective services.
According to him, filling the vacant positions would strengthen the public service and improve the quality of government operations across the state.
The governor also assured workers that his administration would continue to prioritise the regular payment of salaries and gratuities. He credited President Bola Tinubu for making funds available to state governments, noting that the support had helped states meet their financial obligations and execute development projects.
Eno challenged the newly recruited workers to demonstrate commitment, professionalism and integrity in their respective positions. He particularly stressed the importance of digital skills, revealing that his administration was working towards fully digitising government services.
He urged the employees to introduce fresh ideas, embrace innovation and maintain respectful relationships with their superiors, saying their education should reflect in improved service delivery.
The governor further encouraged them to take their responsibilities seriously and justify the opportunity given to them through dedication and excellent performance.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Elsie Peters, praised Eno for his efforts to improve the state civil service. She expressed confidence in the quality of the newly recruited workforce, adding that their orientation and training would prepare them for the responsibilities ahead.
Speaking on behalf of the 4,000 employees, Etoroabasi Enobong presented a gift and a message of appreciation to the governor, describing him as a father figure and a leader of great value.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council, government officials, political stakeholders and other dignitaries.
