Abia State has been selected as the first pilot partner in the Federal Civil Service Commission’s National Strategic Plan designed to revolutionise career management and modernise public service processes across the country.
The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Professor Tunji Olaopa, announced the development on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
The visit formed part of activities marking the 44th National Council of Civil Service Commissions holding in Umuahia.
Prof Olaopa commended Governor Otti for what he described as exemplary, results-driven leadership that speaks for itself.
“You can talk political party but when you hear of a performing Governor that does not have to make noise for the work and his achievement to be evident, you are only going to be very proud to be associated with such a Governor”, he said.
Prof Olaopa explained that Abia’s selection as the first pilot State was a recognition of its ongoing reforms, which he said aligns with global best practice.
“One of the key elements of the strategy is that we are enlisting some partners in the States’ Commissions, and I am very proud to say that Abia State happens to be the first on the list of pilots.
“We will jointly approach development partners to create models of excellence. We will be hoping that States around the Southwest will come and benchmark what we have seen in Abia State,” he added.
Professor Olaopa also commended the professionalism of Abia civil servants and the leadership of the State Civil Service Commission, headed by Pastor Dr Eno Jerry Eze.
Responding, Governor Otti reiterated the State’s readiness to collaborate fully with the Federal Commission in implementing the initiative, noting that Abia’s ongoing public service reforms are anchored on competence, fairness and transparency.
He disclosed that the State had effectively abolished quota-based recruitment, citing the recent teachers’ recruitment exercise as evidence of a renewed commitment to meritocracy.
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Governor Otti who emphasised his administration’s determination to build a modern, professional and merit-driven Civil Service, noted that the State Government recruits strictly on merit and competence.
The Governor also addressed pension reforms in the State, revealing that arrears dating back to 2001 amounting to “about ₦60.1 billion” had been uncovered and were already being addressed.
“It looks difficult, but it’s very easy if you just want to do the right thing”, he remarked.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Dr Eno Jerry Eze, said Abia’s selection as host of the National Council meeting amounted to a national recognition of the far-reaching reforms championed by Governor Otti’s administration.
“The choice of Abia State as host is a clear recognition of the transformational reforms and institutional renewal Your Excellency has championed since assuming office”, she said.
Pastor Eze stated that Abia’s reforms align with the theme of this year’s Council meeting, “Repositioning Civil Service Commissions in Nigeria as Hubs of Professionalism in Public Service Human Resource Management,” which she said reflects the Governor’s foresight.
While pointing out that that the Council meeting offers Abia “a national platform to showcase the work we are doing to reposition the Abia State Civil Service, Pastor Dr Eno Jerry Eze, confirmed that delegates from across the country and the Federal Capital Territory had arrived in the State.
She pledged that the Commission would continue to deepen professionalism, institutional discipline and service delivery in line with the “New Abia” agenda.
