RismadarVoice Reporters
October 2, 2026
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has approved the reinstatement of about 3,000 local government workers previously removed from the state payroll following discussions with organised labour.
The decision followed a meeting between the governor and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Nigerian Union of Pensioners at the State Executive Council Chambers in Calabar.
The meeting addressed several issues affecting workers and pensioners, including staff welfare, recruitment, promotions, salary harmonisation and outstanding pension entitlements.
During the discussions, labour leaders appealed to Otu to reconsider the disengagement of workers who had already spent about two years in service, arguing that many of them had built their livelihoods around their employment.
Responding, the governor acknowledged the financial impact of the disengagement on the affected workers and approved their reinstatement.
Otu, however, maintained that reforms within the state public service were necessary to correct irregularities, strengthen due process and ensure that appointments and remuneration reflected appropriate qualifications.
He also stressed the need for fairness in government recruitment, saying employment opportunities should not be concentrated among people with connections within the system.
The governor urged organised labour to continue working with his administration to strengthen the public service and improve conditions for workers.
Otu also highlighted financial pressures facing the state, including inherited liabilities and recurrent expenditure, saying his administration was working to reduce outstanding obligations while investing in workers’ welfare and infrastructure.
He expressed optimism that improved internally generated revenue and prudent management of state resources would create additional room to address outstanding liabilities.
According to the governor, the administration is also pursuing infrastructure development, investment, human-capital development and economic empowerment as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s economy.
On other demands raised by organised labour, including outstanding promotions, salary harmonisation and improved welfare for low-income workers and pensioners, Otu directed labour leaders to submit the relevant documents for consideration.
He said the government would review the submissions alongside its records before taking further decisions.
