Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the restoration of about 3,000 local government workers previously removed from the State payroll, following a high-level engagement with organised labour.
The Governor gave the approval during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Cross River State chapters, at the State Executive Council Chambers in Calabar.
The meeting focused extensively on workers’ welfare and other issues affecting industrial harmony in the State, including recruitment, promotions, salary harmonisation, pensioners’ entitlements and the status of workers affected by recent payroll actions.
Presenting labour’s concerns, the NLC leadership appealed to the Governor to reconsider the disengagement of workers who had already spent about two years in service, stressing that many of them were indigenes of the State whose livelihoods had become dependent on their employment.
Responding to the appeal, Governor Otu acknowledged the difficult human consequences of disengaging workers who had relied on their salaries for their daily needs, saying abrupt withdrawal of their income could impose severe hardship on the affected families.
“I want you to believe that their feelings were based on the fact that people have been used to particular remuneration,” Otu said, adding that “to cut them off at short notice will be too much to absorb,” especially where the affected employment constituted the workers’ entire source of livelihood.
The Governor explained that the government’s intervention in the public service was intended to correct existing anomalies, restore due process and ensure that appointments and remuneration were tied to appropriate qualifications and established standards.
He maintained that while government was sensitive to the plight of affected workers, it also had a responsibility to build a public service where employment opportunities were distributed fairly and qualifications were properly considered.
“Somebody cannot be a secondary school [leaver] and already be getting an appointment,” the Governor said, stressing that access to an opportunity should not permanently shut out other qualified Cross Riverians.
Otu said his administration was committed to rebuilding the State on the principles of fairness, productivity and shared responsibility, urging organised labour to partner with government rather than approach the challenges facing the State solely from a confrontational standpoint.
He said the State’s financial position remained challenging, with government contending with inherited liabilities and significant recurring obligations while also striving to improve workers’ welfare and provide infrastructure. “Almost every month we are taking out 300 to 600 [million],” he said, referring to payments being made towards outstanding obligations.
The Governor nevertheless expressed optimism that continued efforts to improve internally generated revenue and manage existing liabilities would create greater fiscal space for government to meet its obligations and respond to workers’ legitimate concerns.
On the wider economic outlook, Otu said his administration had begun laying the foundation for an economy driven by infrastructure, investment, enterprise, human-capital development and productivity, rather than dependence on limited sources of income.
“The real foundation for the economy has been laid,” he said, urging labour and other stakeholders to contribute to the rebuilding process, adding that “we must be ready to fold our shirts and take up the challenge” of developing Cross River.
The Governor also acknowledged concerns over outstanding promotions, salary harmonisation and the welfare of low-income workers and pensioners, assuring the unions that the issues would be subjected to further consideration after relevant documents and official briefs had been reviewed.
“For the other issues, I will need at least some briefs,” he said, directing the labour representatives to submit the necessary documentation while government reviewed its own records.
The engagement, which provided an opportunity for government and labour to directly address contentious issues, ended with the Governor’s approval for the restoration of about 3,000 affected local government workers to the State payroll, while discussions on other outstanding labour matters are expected to continue.
By Daniel Bebia
