The Akwa Ibom State Government has introduced a mandatory service bond for medical trainees as part of new efforts to curb the increasing rate at which trained professionals are leaving the country — popularly known as “Japa.”
Speaking in Uyo over the weekend, the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, said the bonding agreement ensures that every health worker trained with state funds must serve in the state for a specified period before being allowed to leave for job opportunities abroad.
“Anyone the government sends for training is now under bond to serve the state long enough for the government to recover its investment,” Essien explained. “We even go as far as writing to the Medical Council to stop their clearance if they try to travel out before serving their time.”
Essien also announced plans to recruit 600 new health workers and 100 occupational safety officers. The safety officers will work in the newly established Department of Occupational Safety under the Office of the Head of Service.
This move is seen as a response to the ongoing brain drain crisis in Nigeria, where trained health professionals frequently leave for better-paying jobs overseas, especially in the UK, Canada, and the U.S.
In a separate development, Essien revealed that the government has so far paid N60 billion out of the over N90 billion owed in gratuities, promotions, and other outstanding benefits to workers. He praised Governor Umo Eno for making workers’ welfare a top priority since assuming office 23 months ago.
He noted that N500 million is now released monthly to settle unpaid contributory pensions, and refunds have already been made to 15 Local Education Authorities.
“Governor Umo Eno has shown that caring for workers is not just talk. The improved productivity in ministries proves it,” Essien said. “We’re not just clearing old debts — we’re laying a strong foundation for the future.”
