By Balimwor Ekpe
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 for the state workers, saying that the new wage implementation aligns with the realities of the time in the state rather than sentiments.
In his words, “owing to the peculiarity of Cross River State regarding its lean finances occasioned by low Statutory Federal Allocation and aggravated by the unfavorable State GDP to Debt servicing ratio, the new wage implementation is in line with the realities of the time rather than sentiments.”
At the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, where he joined the Workers Day celebration, Governor Otu disclosed that under his administration, payment of salaries and workers and pension entitlement remains a first-line charge.
For the backlog of gratuity in the state, which dates back to 2014, the Governor appealed for patience, saying, “Government is presently on the verge of concluding necessary arrangements for the staggered payment of outstanding gratuity to its retired workers.”
He emphasized that the theme for this year’s Workers’ Day is “People First,” and interestingly coincides with my administration’s mantra.
“Accordingly, whatever action aimed at alleviating the suffering of the workers is readily embraced by me. One of such measures is the payment of a living wage to the workforce. May I, therefore, state categorically that the government of Cross River State, under my leadership, is willing and ready to put smiles on the faces of its workers and in line with the season of sweetness which characterizes my administration.”
Governor Otu expressed goodwill and solidarity with the workers during the 2024 Workers’ Day. He emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between the government and its workforce to create wealth and improve livelihoods.
He assured that his government had prioritized the well-being of workers by ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions, conducting promotions, and planning to employ qualified youths.
However, in addition to celebrating workers, the Governor calls for increased productivity among workers, highlighting the importance of reciprocating the government’s efforts.
He emphasized the need for workers to enhance their output to match the support provided by the government.
Labor leaders in the state, Comrade Gregory Olayi, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and the Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Monday Ogbodum, both made demands calling for the prompt attention to promotions of civil servants, payment of gratuity to retirees, recruitment to the state service.
