Cross River State Governor reinstates 3,000 local government workers

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has approved the reinstatement of approximately 3,000 local government workers who had been removed from the state payroll. The decision follows negotiations with organized labor groups, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).

The discussions, held in Calabar, addressed various industrial relations issues such as worker welfare, recruitment, promotions, salary harmonization, and pensioner entitlements. Labor leaders had previously appealed for the reconsideration of the disengaged workers, noting that many had served for about two years and relied on their income for their livelihoods.

Governor Otu stated that while the administration aims to correct public service anomalies and ensure that employment is based on proper qualifications and due process, he acknowledged the human impact of the sudden loss of remuneration. He emphasized a commitment to rebuilding the state's public service based on fairness, productivity, and equitable opportunity.