Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the reinstatement of about 3,000 local government workers previously removed from the state payroll, following a meeting with organised labour.
The decision was reached on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) at the State Executive Council Chambers in Calabar.
The meeting focused on workers’ welfare, recruitment, promotions, salary harmonisation, pensioners’ entitlements and other issues affecting industrial relations in the state.
During the engagement, labour leaders appealed to Governor Otu to reconsider the disengagement of workers who had already spent about two years in service, noting that many of them had built their livelihoods around their employment.
Responding to the appeal, the governor acknowledged the hardship the sudden loss of income could impose on affected workers and their families.
He explained that the government’s earlier intervention in the public service was aimed at correcting irregularities, restoring due process and ensuring that appointments and remuneration were based on appropriate qualifications and established standards.
Otu also emphasised the need to build a fair and productive public service where employment opportunities are accessible to qualified individuals.
The governor, however, acknowledged the state’s financial challenges, including inherited liabilities and recurring obligations, while expressing optimism that improved revenue generation and prudent financial management would help the government meet its commitments.
He further assured labour leaders that other outstanding concerns, particularly promotions, salary harmonisation and pensioners’ welfare, would receive attention after the relevant documents and official records had been reviewed.
The meeting ended with the governor’s approval for the restoration of the affected 3,000 local government workers to the state payroll, marking a significant development in the ongoing engagement between the Cross River State Government and organised labour.
The development is expected to provide relief to thousands of affected workers and their families as discussions on other labour-related issues continue.
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