During a monthly interactive session with the media in Umuahia, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, reiterated that the employment freeze in the state’s civil service remains in effect, emphasizing that it is not a priority for his administration to hire new employees at this time.
Governor Otti highlighted the ongoing efforts to address the existing challenges within the civil service, including the need to streamline the workforce and reduce the high wage bill. He emphasized the importance of dealing with the issues inherited by his administration before considering new employment opportunities.
Despite the embargo on new employment, Otti assured civil servants that the government is dedicated to improving their pay and working conditions. He acknowledged the need to enhance the productivity of the workforce and hinted at potential measures to address underperformance among existing employees.
The governor discussed initiatives aimed at modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of Abia’s civil service, including the establishment of the Civil Service Commission and the appointment of new leadership positions. He emphasized the importance of training and capacity building to equip civil servants with the necessary skills to excel in their roles.