On May 29, 2024, during his one-year anniversary address to the people of Abia State, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the civil service. He pledged to enhance the welfare of civil servants, foster a culture of professionalism, and ensure efficiency in public service delivery. Recognizing the economic challenges facing the nation, Governor Otti vowed to improve salaries and working conditions, setting a new standard for governance in the state.
“Although the implementation of a new minimum wage was delayed due to ongoing negotiations between organized labor unions and the Federal Government, I assure you that Abia State will be among the first to adopt the revised wage once an agreement is reached,”
True to his word, by October 2024, the Abia State Government began implementing the new national minimum wage setting a pace when many states are still battling with delays. While the initial adjustment benefited workers in levels 1 to 7, discrepancies remained for those in levels 8 to 17. Governor Otti swiftly intervened, ensuring that all civil servants, regardless of grade, received fair and accurate compensation. This bold and timely action not only fulfilled his promise but also positioned Abia State as a trailblazer in prioritizing workers’ welfare, earning the trust and admiration of its civil servants.
Governor Otti’s vision for the civil service is rooted in creating prosperity for every Abian and transforming public service into a platform for dignity and professional growth. He is determined to rewrite the narrative that portrays civil servants as underpaid and undervalued individuals who resort to public service out of necessity. Under his leadership, the civil service is becoming a place where hard work is rewarded, professionalism is celebrated, and every worker can take pride in contributing to the state’s progress.
One of the governor’s most impactful reforms was the abolition of the controversial ‘core’ and ‘non-core’ civil servant policy, a divisive system inherited from previous administrations. This policy had created a two-tiered workforce, with workers in ministries receiving preferential treatment while those in agencies and parastatals often went unpaid for months. Governor Otti’s administration eliminated this disparity, ensuring that all civil servants, regardless of their ministry, department, or agency, receive their salaries promptly on or before the 28th of every month. This policy shift has alleviated financial hardship and restored dignity to thousands of public workers.
In a bold move to enhance transparency, Governor Otti launched a comprehensive verification exercise to identify and eliminate ghost workers. Through biometric and physical verification, the administration successfully removed fictitious names from the payroll and curbed fraudulent practices such as salary padding.
Indeed, The Abia State civil service has been purged of many vices, including the ghost worker syndrome, absenteeism, bribery, and corruption. Today, genuine workers enjoy the dividends of their service, including prompt payment of salaries, leave allowances, and regular promotions.”
Governor Otti’s administration has also championed merit-based appointments, breaking away from the culture of favoritism. In a landmark decision, 24 permanent secretaries were appointed purely on merit. In an unprecedented move, Mr. Benson Ojeikere from Edo State was appointed as the Head of Service, a significant demonstration of his commitment to treating all civil servants in Abia as equal regardless of their state of origin.
Beyond personnel reforms, Governor Otti has invested significantly in the physical infrastructure supporting the civil service. His administration renovated several dilapidated public buildings, including the extensive facelift of the workers’ secretariat at Ogwurube Layout, Umuahia. The upgrades include perimeter fencing, connection to the national power grid, solar panel installations, street lighting, and the provision of potable water. Additionally, the long-abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat was retrofitted and reopened, providing civil servants with a conducive work environment that fosters productivity and pride. The completion of the JAAC Building further addressed the growing need for office space, accommodating the expanding public service.
Another milestone achievement is the construction of a state-of-the-art Civil Service Headquarters for the Abia State Civil Service Commission. This modern complex, fully air-conditioned and well-furnished, reflects the administration’s commitment to creating a professional and comfortable working environment for civil servants.
To enhance the skills and efficiency of the workforce, Governor Otti’s administration introduced compulsory in-house training programs. These initiatives are designed to improve service delivery, ensure efficiency, and prepare civil servants for modern administrative demands.
In a firm stance against corruption, the government has banned the payment of money for conversion, confirmation and promotional examination, including the sale of Gen 35 forms. This policy reflects Governor Otti’s determination to eradicate exploitation and uphold integrity within the civil service. With fair and adequate compensation now guaranteed, civil servants are expected to reciprocate by maintaining higher standards of discipline, punctuality, and professionalism.
