Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno says he has so far paid over N82 billion out of the inherited N111 billion gratuity backlog within three years.

The governor further disclosed that his administration had recruited 4,000 personnel into the state civil service within the past year, describing it as one of the largest recruitment drives in the state’s history.

He also approved the recruitment of 1,000 primary school teachers and additional junior staff to strengthen the workforce.

Speaking during the May Day celebration, Eno, who was represented by his deputy, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi said
reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the timely payment of salaries and pensions, continuous manpower development, and specialised training programmes aimed at improving efficiency in the civil service. The governor assured workers that his government would remain focused on policies that prioritise their welfare while sustaining development across Akwa Ibom State.

His words “Today, I boldly declare that we have paid more than N82 billion from the backlog we inherited. Receiving appreciation from retired civil servants who had lost hope gives me immense fulfilment,” he said.

Eno added that beneficiaries of government housing units through raffle draws had successfully taken ownership of their homes, while promotion exercises for civil servants and secondary school teachers had been conducted promptly.

He praised workers across the state for their dedication and contributions to the successful implementation of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

He added that the achievements recorded by his government were made possible through the commitment, resilience and cooperation of the state’s workforce.

The governor particularly commended the outgoing chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Mr Sunny James, for fostering a cordial relationship between organised labour and government throughout his tenure.

He said that despite occasional disagreements, both parties consistently found common ground through dialogue rather than confrontation.