Akwa Ibom State has placed fresh attention on rebuilding its healthcare workforce as Governor Umo Eno announced the recruitment of 2,000 new healthcare professionals to strengthen medical services across the state. The Governor said this step became necessary to improve staffing levels in hospitals and primary health centres and to respond to increasing demand for care.
Speaking during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly, he explained that the state was taking urgent actions to address long-standing gaps in manpower. He said the recruitment drive was part of a broader emergency intervention aimed at restoring efficiency in the sector. “We recently declared an emergency in the healthcare sector, and have directed that 1,300 retired healthcare professionals who are still strong to be re-engaged. I have also directed the employment of additional 2,000 healthcare professionals, to help beef our workforce in this critical sector,” he stated.
The Governor noted that re-engaging the retired workers alongside the newly hired ones will help provide more experienced hands, especially in rural communities where access to medical personnel has remained a challenge. He said the state was committed to ensuring that no community is left behind as the healthcare system expands.
He also highlighted ongoing facility upgrades across the state. According to him, the government has begun equipping selected hospitals and primary health centres to match the expected increase in staff strength. “We are upgrading and equipping 8 General Hospitals and 29 existing Primary Healthcare Centres,” he said. The upgrades are expected to improve medical equipment, building standards and service delivery.
The Governor further announced a major milestone for residents of Ukanafun Local Government Area. He said the administration had finally delivered a long-awaited health project for the community. “Last week, we commissioned the General Hospital in Ukanafun – a long desired medical facility for the people of that Local Government Area,” he stated.
Overall, the Governor emphasised that the state’s healthcare reforms are designed to make services more accessible and efficient for residents.
