During the Workers’ Day celebration at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Governor Bassey Otu announced a new minimum wage of ₦40,000 for civil servants in Cross River State. He emphasized the importance of aligning the wage implementation with the current realities rather than sentiments, given the state’s financial challenges.
Governor Otu assured workers that his administration prioritizes timely payment of salaries, wages, and pension entitlements, considering them as a first-line charge despite the state’s financial constraints.
Regarding the backlog of gratuity dating back to 2014, the governor appealed for patience, mentioning ongoing arrangements for staggered payments to retired workers.
Under the theme “People First,” Governor Otu reiterated his commitment to improving workers’ welfare, aligning with his administration’s mantra. He pledged to bring smiles to the faces of workers, highlighting initiatives such as the living wage implementation.
Acknowledging the significance of a strong government-worker relationship in wealth creation and livelihood improvement, Governor Otu expressed solidarity with the workforce and promised to prioritize their well-being. He also stressed the need for increased productivity among workers to reciprocate government support.
Labor leaders, including Comrade Gregory Olayi of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Comrade Monday Ogbodum of the Trade Union Congress, echoed calls for prompt attention to civil servants’ promotions, gratuity payments to retirees, and recruitment to the state service.
