FIC Report (Abia State) – The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s intention to reposition the nation’s civil service through a comprehensive strategic reform agenda.
He stressed that only a professional, modern, and merit-driven service can deliver development across Nigeria.
Prof. Olaopa stated this during his visit to Abia State, where he led a delegation of Federal Civil Service Commissioners and State Chairmen of Civil Service Commissions to Government House, Umuahia.
He announced that Abia State has been selected as the first pilot partner in the National Strategic Plan designed to revolutionise career management, redesign civil service structures, and modernise public service processes nationwide.
According to him, Abia earned this position because of the State’s disciplined reforms and the quiet but impactful leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
“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. I am proud of Governor Otti’s achievements—he is doing it without noise,” Prof. Olaopa stated.
Responding, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, reiterated his determined commitment to building a civil service rooted in merit, competence, and integrity. He made it clear that under his administration, state of origin or quota system plays no role in recruitment or promotion.
“People have now understood that what will promote you is hard work and excellence, not who you know,” he said.
“Quota system doesn’t work here. And we don’t know State of origin.”
Governor Otti revealed that the recently concluded recruitment of 5,394 teachers was based purely on merit, noting that many successful applicants came from Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
“What we are interested in is not where they come from, but what they have in their head.”
The Governor lamented years of neglect in the Abia Civil Service, particularly in pension administration. He disclosed that a committee he set up discovered that gratuity arrears dating back to 2001 amount to ₦60.1 billion.
“These are people who have worked and retired. Some of them are dead; maybe if they got this money, they would still be alive today,” he said soberly.
He assured that his administration is committed to correcting these wrongs and fully restoring the dignity of labour in Abia.
Governor Otti emphasized that the civil service remains the engine room of government, and that his administration is intentional about rebuilding it into a professional, efficient, and ethically grounded institution.
He expressed readiness to align with the Federal Government’s strategic civil service reforms and pledged to respond to the expectations of the Federal Civil Service Commission “even before they ask.”
Present during the visit were
Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Secretary to the State Government
Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff
Hon. Uwaoma Ukandu, Commissioner for Finance
Prince Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information
Elder Goodluck Ubochi, Commissioner for Basic & Secondary Education
Pastor Eno Jerry-Eze, Chairman of Abia State Civil Service Commission
among other top government officials.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
December 1,2025
