Cross River Ends Service Extension for Retirees
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Cross River State Government has officially abolished the extension of service for civil and public servants after retirement.
Outgoing Head of Service, Dr. Innocent Eteng, announced the decision on Thursday during his valedictory speech at a retirement and pull-out ceremony held in his honour at the State New Secretariat Complex, Calabar.
He explained that Governor Bassey Otu approved the policy to ensure strict adherence to the 35-year service limit or the statutory retirement age of 60. “Henceforth, any civil or public servant who retires after 35 years of service or upon attaining 60 years of age must completely exit the service,” Eteng said.
Expressing gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve as Head of Service for two years, Eteng highlighted several reforms that transformed the state’s civil service. They include:
Review of the Cross River State Civil and Public Service Rules (2025)
Approval and implementation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage since December 2024
Payment of gratuities to retirees up to 2015
Recruitment of 2,000 workers
Approval of incremental steps for civil servants
Introduction of monthly sanitation exercises in government offices
He urged civil servants to give maximum support to his successor, Barr. Orok Bassey Okon, so as to sustain and build on these gains.
In his remarks, the new Head of Service commended Eteng for his reforms and pledged to consolidate on the progress recorded.
Members of the College of Permanent Secretaries and Directors also paid glowing tributes to Eteng, describing his tenure as impactful and wishing him success in future endeavours.
