The Cross River State Head of Civil Service (HoS) has commended the State House of Assembly for the ongoing amendment of the Local Government Law.

The HoS, Dr Innocent Eteng, gave the commendation on Thursday during a public hearing on the LG Amendment Bill 2025, held at the Assembly Complex.

He noted that the proposed amendment of the status of Heads of Local Government Administrators (HOLGAs) to that of Permanent Secretaries was a welcome development.

The HoS added that this will enhance service delivery by LG staff while stressing that such appointments will ultimately be at the instance of the state governor, in synergy with the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and his office.

The Local Government Amendment Bill 2025 had earlier passed through the first and second readings before it was committed to a joint committee of Local Government, Judiciary, and Public Accounts for stakeholders’ input.

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Speaking on the importance of the Amendment Bill, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government, Hon. Eyo Bassey, as well as the Judiciary Committee Chair, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta, who doubles as the Deputy Leader of the House, informed the public that the hearing was aimed at involving stakeholders in the lawmaking process.

They also stated that the amendment will elevate the office of the HOLGA to that of Permanent Secretaries, accompanied by full benefits.

Stakeholders at the public hearing suggested, among other things, the creation of the office of the Chief of Staff to coordinate other appointees as well as a scheme of service.

Present at the event were several lawmakers, the Auditor General for Local Government, serving and retired HOLGAs, as well as other stakeholders.