Cross River State Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 for the state workers.
He said the new wage implementation aligns with the realities of the time.
His Chief Press Secretary Comrade Nsa Gill made this known in a WhatsApp post on Wednesday May 1, 2024.
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.
Also, he said for the backlog of gratuity in the state, which dates back to 2014, the Governor appealed for patience.
“Government is presently on the verge of concluding necessary arrangements for the staggered payment of outstanding gratuity to its retired workers,” Otu explained.
While emphasizing on the theme for this year’s Workers’ Day “People First,” he noted that it coincides with his administration’s mantra.
Therefore, “whatever action aimed at alleviating the suffering of the workers is readily embraced by me.”
For instance, one of such Otu said is “the payment of a living wage to the workforce.”
Additionally, he said the government of Cross River State, under his leadership, is willing and ready to put smiles on the faces of its workers.
According to him, this is in line with the season of sweetness which characterizes his administration.
Moreover, he said he understands the importance of a strong relationship between government and its workforce to create wealth and improve livelihoods.
He disclosed that his government had prioritized the well-being of workers by ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions.
He said other priorities include conducting promotions, and planning to employ qualified youths.
Nevertheless, the Governor has called for increased productivity among workers.
He has also highlighted the importance of reciprocating the government’s efforts.
He said the workers need to enhance their output to match the support provided by the government.
Otu decried lean finances occasioned by low Statutory Federal Allocation and aggravated by the unfavorable State GDP to Debt servicing ratio.
Meanwhile, Labor leaders present share solidarity song and call for action.
They demanded prompt attention to promotions of civil servants, payment of gratuity to retirees, and recruitment to the state service.
The leaders were State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Gregory Olayi, and the Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Monday Ogbodum.