Governor Umo Eno has directed the Civil Service Commission to commence the issuance of appointment letters to successful candidates in the 2026 recruitment exercise, with the new appointees expected to resume work on October 1, 2026.

The Governor gave the directive after receiving the summary report of the recruitment exercise at the Governor’s Office in Uyo.

He commended the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Mrs Ekerebong Umoh, and the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy team for their efforts, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for qualified Akwa Ibom indigenes.

Presenting the analysis of the recruitment exercise, Mrs Ekerebong Umoh thanked the Governor for creating employment opportunities for thousands of unemployed youths through a fair and transparent process, and described the exercise as comprehensive and demanding.

Governor Eno also directed the Head of the Civil Service to review existing vacancies and ensure future recruitment is based on merit and genuine manpower needs, to prevent unnecessary expansion of the workforce.

Governor Eno said the recruitment was aimed at strengthening the state civil service with competent manpower to drive his ARISE Agenda, noting that the process was conducted strictly on merit.

He assured that the new intakes would be deployed to critical sectors where their skills are most needed to improve service delivery.

Mrs Umoh disclosed that thousands of applicants applied through the state’s recruitment portal, with successful candidates drawn from all 31 local government areas of the state.

She explained that the selection involved computer-based tests, screening of credentials and oral interviews to ensure only qualified persons were engaged.

According to her, the commission worked closely with the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy to ensure a hitch-free digital process devoid of manipulation.

She added that the final list reflects fairness, federal character principle at the state level, and inclusion of persons living with disabilities.

The Governor also urged the newly recruited officers to be diligent, disciplined and committed to the ethics of the civil service upon resumption.

He warned that his administration would not tolerate indolence or truancy, stressing that the opportunity given must translate into improved productivity in the public service.