The Abia Government says it will reinstate the non-indigenes sacked from the state civil service in 2011 from the implementation of its indigenisation policy.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Eze Chikamnayo, who made the disclosure when he briefed newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia on Thursday, said the measure was meant to heal the wound caused by the implementation of the policy.
He said the policy became necessary due to the challenge faced by the state as a result of huge wage bills from payment of the minimum wage.
The commissioner said that non-indigenes who applied would be given automatic consideration in the civil service or as teachers.
Chikamnayo said the revenue profile of the state had witnessed significant improvement because of measures taken to plug leakages and the introduction of automated tax payment system.
“With the enhanced internally generated revenue base, Gov. Theodore Orji, saw the need to create more job opportunities in order to ensure greater happiness for the people of Abia,” he said.
The commissioner said the creation of more job opportunities would help to engage unemployed youths and indigenes of the state displaced from the northern states due to security challenges.
He said the Head of Service and Commissioner for Education had been directed to work out the modalities for new recruitment.
Chikamnayo said the council resolved to construct an airport in the state, and set up a committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Emeka Ananaba, to work out the modalities.
He said that the committee had three weeks to submit its report.