CALABAR – In a renewed push for transparency, accountability, and responsible governance, the Cross River State Government has issued a directive to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to submit a comprehensive list of government-owned assets and properties under their custody on or before May 23, 2025.
This directive follows the approval of the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, and the State Executive Council, aimed at enabling the Department of Asset Management and Recovery to document and manage the State’s assets efficiently. The move is intended to curb the misuse, unlawful possession, and abandonment of government properties across the state, which has resulted in significant loss of public resources.
Presenting the official directive to the Head of Service, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Gilbert Agbor, stressed that all MDAs must treat the assignment with urgency and diligence.
“All Heads of MDAs are enjoined to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves, as His Excellency, the Governor, attaches great importance to this exercise,” Agbor stated. He praised Governor Otu for his visionary leadership and for initiating reforms that promote effective governance.
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Also lending his voice, the Economic Adviser to the Governor, Prof. Peter Oti, emphasised that taking inventory of government assets is critical to ensuring their optimal utilisation for the benefit of the public. He called on all MDAs to comply with the directive, assuring that the Otu-led administration is committed to prudent resource management.
In response, the Head of Service of Cross River State, Dr Innocent Eteng, described the directive as a compelling call to action backed by executive approval. He assured that his office would work closely with MDAs to meet the May 23 deadline.
“The importance of this assignment cannot be overstated. We will make concerted efforts to ensure full compliance and timely submission,” he pledged.
The compilation must follow a structured format with proper identification codes for each asset type, as provided by the Department of Asset Management and Recovery.
This initiative marks another bold step by the current administration to strengthen institutional accountability and safeguard public assets for future generations.
