Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has declared a fresh minimum wage of N40,000 for state workers, emphasizing that the decision is based on the current state realities rather than emotional considerations.
During the Workers’ Day celebration at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Otu assured that his administration remains committed to prioritizing the payment of salaries, workers’ wages, and pension entitlements as a topmost priority.
“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,” he said.
For the backlog of gratuity in the state, which dates back to 2014, the governor appealed for patience, stating that efforts are underway to address the issue effectively.
He said, “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.”
During the 2024 Workers’ Day celebrations, Governor Bassey Otu expressed goodwill and solidarity with the workers, underlining the significance of a strong relationship between the government and its workforce to generate wealth and improve livelihoods.
He reassured the workers that his administration had prioritized their well-being by ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions, conducting promotions, and planning to employ qualified youths.
In addition to celebrating workers, the governor urged for increased productivity, emphasizing the importance of reciprocating the government’s efforts. He stressed the need for workers to enhance their output to match the support provided by the government.
Labour leaders in the state, including Comrade Gregory Olayi, the state chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress and Comrade Monday Ogbodum, the chairman of Trade Union Congress, called for prompt attention to promotions of civil servants, payment of gratuity to retirees, and recruitment to the state service.
