In every generation, there are men and women who rise through the ranks not by shortcuts or sentiment, but through grit, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to service. Hon. Chief Ajah Francis Ajah, mni, stands tall in that category. His story is not just about personal success, but about the triumph of diligence, merit, and resilience in a system where conformity to rules often takes the back seat to patronage.
Born in Ebom, Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Ajah’s journey reflects the quintessential Nigerian dream, from humble beginnings, through the rigors of academia, the challenges of the banking sector, and into the demanding but noble service of government.
Banking Halls: Building the Foundation of Discipline
Before finding his permanent footing in the public sector, Ajah made his mark in Nigeria’s banking industry. Rising from the ranks of Finance Control Officer to Branch Controller in First Interstate Bank and later Unity Bank, he mastered the fine art of financial prudence, risk management, and institutional discipline.
In a world where numbers tell the story, Ajah proved himself as a thoroughbred professional. He headed treasury management units, reconciled complex accounts, supervised interbank settlements, and reviewed risk assets. His tenure in banking was defined by transparency and accountability (qualities that would later become the cornerstone of his public service career).
Policy Halls: Shaping Cross River’s Financial Landscape
Ajah’s transition from banking to public service was seamless, thanks to his firm grounding in finance. When he joined the Cross River State civil service, he quickly distinguished himself as a man of ideas and action.
From serving as Head of State Financial Policy Management at the Ministry of Finance to coordinating critical World Bank and United Nations-assisted projects like the State Governance and Capacity Building Project (SGCBP) and the State and Local Governance Reform (SLOGOR), Ajah became a household name in reform-driven circles.
He played a pivotal role in drafting and passing key financial legislations such as the Public Finance Management Law (2011) and the Fiscal Responsibility Law (2011), both of which attracted multi-million-dollar World Bank grants to the state.
As Permanent Secretary in several ministries — Housing, Debt Management office, New Cities, and now Finance; his tenure has been marked by innovation. Notably, he grew the State Reserve Fund from ₦4 billion to over ₦11 billion, reconciled the state’s debt structure to save more than ₦20 billion, and consistently prepared Debt Sustainability Reports that unlocked further international grants.
Scholar and Teacher: Nurturing the Next Generation
Ajah is not just a technocrat in government corridors; he is also a scholar committed to nurturing future leaders. As a part-time lecturer at Arthur Jarvis University, University of Cross River State, and even the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), he imparts knowledge to young minds eager to shape Nigeria’s future.
Armed with an MBA, M.Sc., and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Accountancy, Ajah represents the rare blend of practitioner and academic. His research interests span corporate governance, fraud prevention, and dividend policy, critical issues for Nigeria’s economic future.
The Prestige of NIPSS: A Feather in His Cap
In 2024, Ajah achieved what many civil servants only dream of, he graduated from the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Senior Executive Course 46. With that, he joined the exclusive ranks of Nigerians entitled to the post-nominal title “mni” (Member of the National Institute).
For Abi Local Government, it was historic: Ajah became the first civil servant from the area and the second from the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency to ever accomplish this. For Cross River State, it further cemented his reputation as one of the brightest minds in the service.
Merit Above Sentiment
At a time when meritocracy is often sacrificed on the altar of favoritism, Ajah’s story is a reminder that discipline and conformity to civil service rules matter. He diligently wrote the Compulsory Examination for Administrative/Professional Officers (COMPRO), a mandatory test many of his peers sidestepped. That single act reflects his faith in process and rules, positioning him as a civil servant who earned every promotion.
This is why many see him as the natural fit for higher responsibility. With the office of the Head of Service of Cross River State set to become vacant soon, Ajah’s name is already being mentioned in hushed tones as one of the most qualified replacements, not because of lobbying, but because of a career steeped in merit, capacity, and vision.
A Life Beyond Service
Outside of work, Ajah is a man of community, faith, and family. He has served his people politically as a councillor and Deputy Leader in Abi Local Government, as well as in advisory roles at the state level. His hobbies; football, swimming, and reading these all reveal a man who values balance.
But perhaps his greatest strength is his reputation: colleagues describe him as disciplined, approachable, and deeply loyal to Cross River State.
Conclusion: A Journey Still Unfolding
From the banking halls of Unity Bank to the policy halls of Cross River State’s Ministry of Finance, Ajah Francis Ajah has built a career that embodies the values of merit, discipline, and patriotism. His life is proof that hard work, adherence to rules, and a commitment to service can still open doors in Nigeria.
For Cross River, his story is not just inspiring, it is a guidepost for what the future of its civil service can be.
Egbe Joseph Williams
Writes from Calabar
