In a bid to transform its civil service into a fully paperless, technology-driven workforce by the end of 2026, Cross River government has commenced a comprehensive digital literacy and capacity-building program.
The initiative, christened ‘Civil Service Technology Empowerment for Capacity and High Performance (CIVTECH) programme,’ was officially flagged off by the state Head of Service, Orok Okon, at Prof. Eyo Ita House in Calabar.
According to the official schedule, the training which began with Cohort 1 comprising Directors and Deputy Directors of Administration, will run from November 4 to 6, 2025.
Similarly, Cohort 2, made up of Assistant Directors, Chiefs, and Principal Officers, will follow from November 11 to 13, while Cohort 3, featuring officers on Grade Levels 8–10, will hold from November 18 to 20, 2025.
Speaking at the flag-off, the Head of Service explained that the programme was initiated in collaboration with Cross River MEDA shortly after his assumption of office, in line with the state government’s vision for a modern and efficient public service.
“This initiative aligns with our goal of achieving a paperless civil service by the end of 2026.
“Every cadre of staff across state and local government services will undergo ICT training to ensure full computer literacy and digital proficiency, this is timely and crucial as we transit to e-governance,” Okon said.
Director General of CR-MEDA, Mr. Great Ogban, said the training reflects Governor Bassey Otu’s commitment to civil service reform, one of the key pillars of the People’s First Blueprint.
“You cannot reform the civil service without technology and education,” Ogban stated, maintaining that “this training translates the governor’s vision into action.”
According to him, “Civil servants are the drivers of government policy, and this program will enhance their efficiency, speed, and output.”
Board Chairman of CR-MEDA, Esessien Edet, commended the state government for promoting a paradigm shift from analogue to digital operations.
“This programme moves our workforce from non-ICT compliance to digital proficiency.
“It will drastically improve turnaround time, productivity, and service delivery,” Esessien argued.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs Glory Odu Oji, said the state chose to start with administrators because of their pivotal role in managing data and implementing policies.
“Once administrators are ICT compliant, the entire system will function more efficiently,” she explained, adding that, “participation is voluntary, but over time, productivity will reflect who embraced the opportunity.”
Participants praised the initiative as forward-thinking and transformative.
Director of Administration in the Ministry of Human Capital and Entrepreneurship Development, Dr Icha Mboto, described it as a timely and necessary intervention in an increasingly digital world.
“This training will enhance our ability to manage records and workflows digitally as It is a major step toward modern public administration,” Mboto said.
Deputy Director of Planning, Ministry of Industry, Dr Pamela Ekuri, also lauded the effort, noting that it would benefit not only today’s civil servants but future generations.
“The government’s decision to embrace ICT will make our service delivery faster, smarter, and more sustainable,” she remarked.
