The Akwa Ibom State Government has approved the recruitment of 7,069 job-seekers into the state workforce as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment.
According to reports, successful applicants have already received their appointment letters.
The government has also concluded arrangements to allocate 150 housing units at Grace Estate to low-level civil servants. Interested workers were required to pay ₦50,000 as an Expression of Interest fee.
The State Head of Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, disclosed this at Government House, Uyo, during activities marking the Civil Service Week.
Peters said the initiatives reflected Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
Housing Units to Be Provided Free
Clarifying the housing arrangement, the Head of Service explained that the houses would be provided free of charge to eligible beneficiaries.
She stated that the ₦50,000 payment was only for the Expression of Interest form and was not a payment for the houses.
“What happened rather was that those who were interested were asked to purchase an ‘Expression of Interest’ form, for the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira. No amount of money was demanded as requirement for them to get the house,” she said.
The 150 housing units are reportedly meant for civil servants on Grade Levels 1–8 and will be allocated through a selection process.
Other Workers’ Welfare Measures
Peters also highlighted the implementation of the ₦80,000 minimum wage for public servants and the payment of the 13th-month salary, popularly known as “Eno-Mber.”
On pension and gratuity payments, government records indicated that the administration inherited a backlog of ₦111 billion in gratuities and other emoluments owed to retirees dating back to 2012.
By April 2026, Governor Eno had stated that more than ₦82 billion had been paid towards settling the inherited obligations.
The Head of Service further mentioned the implementation of outstanding 7.5 per cent contributory pension obligations as another measure aimed at improving workers’ welfare.
The state government had earlier approved the refund of outstanding 7.5 per cent contributory pension contributions.
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