The Cross River State Government has cancelled the 2024/2025 Local Government recruitment exercise, citing findings of a Panel of Enquiry that uncovered alleged irregularities, including job racketeering, commercialisation of employment slots and the absence of executive approvals.
The decision was contained in a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. A. Owan Enoh, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the Panel found the exercise fundamentally flawed and recommended its cancellation, except for 83 personnel initially employed by the Cross River State Civil Service Commission and redeployed to the Local Government Service Commission.
Government Retains 821 Legitimate Employees
The government said 821 personnel duly approved by the Governor are recognised as legitimate employees, including the 83 Civil Service Commission personnel. Those within this category will be retained on the government payroll.
However, persons who entered the payroll through unauthorised or illegal recruitment processes will be phased out.
Fresh Recruitment for 4,000 Persons
In a major development, the government announced the approval of a fresh recruitment exercise for 4,000 personnel.
The new process, it said, will use digital platforms and modern procedures to determine staffing needs and ensure that recruitment is based on established requirements.
Persons affected by the cancellation who possess the requisite qualifications and requirements are encouraged to reapply through the new process.
Government Orders Investigation and Prosecution
The Attorney-General of the State and relevant law-enforcement agencies have been directed to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the recruitment exercise and prosecute persons found culpable in accordance with the law.
The government also stated that legitimate employees who were lawfully recruited following due government approval have continued to work and will receive their salaries as and when due.
Compensation for Affected Workers
The statement further disclosed that persons who will be removed from the payroll as a consequence of the nullification of the unauthorised recruitment exercise will be paid compensatory benefits.
Government also directed steps to be taken to ensure a comprehensive unbundling and sanitisation of the entire payroll.
Government Appeals for Calm
While expressing sympathy with citizens who may have fallen victim to what it described as a criminal enterprise, the government said it could not assume responsibility for appointments that were never authorised, approved or issued through a lawful recruitment process.
It appealed to affected persons and members of the public to remain calm and take advantage of the new recruitment opportunity.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to building a professional, transparent, efficient and people-centred public service.
Source: Cross River State Government Press Release, September 9, 2026.
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