# Cross River State local government recruitment dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cross-river-state-local-government-recruitment-dispute
> Updated: 2026-10-05T07:24:26.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

The Cross River State Government initially cancelled its 2024/2025 local government recruitment exercise after investigations revealed “serious irregularities,” including job racketeering and a lack of transparency. Under the original plan, only 821 personnel with authorized appointments were to be retained, while the state intended to recruit 4,000 new workers through a fresh, digital process.

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

In a subsequent development, the Governor expanded this reinstatement to approximately 4,000 local government workers. This decision followed appeals from labor leaders regarding the hardship faced by employees, many of whom had been in service for roughly two years. Governor Otu noted that “to cut them off at short notice will be too much to absorb,” while maintaining that the initial removals were necessary reforms to ensure employment is based on qualifications, productivity, and accountability.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Cross River State reinstates 4,000 local government workers

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has reinstated 4,000 local government workers following negotiations with labour unions regarding worker welfare and employment reforms.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cross-river-state-reinstates-4000-local-government-workers

### 2026-10-02: Cross River State Governor reinstates 3,000 local government workers

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has reinstated approximately 3,000 local government workers following discussions with the NLC, TUC, and NUP regarding worker welfare and industrial relations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cross-river-state-governor-reinstates-3000-local-government-workers

### 2026-09-12: Cross River State cancels local government recruitment over irregularities

Cross River State has cancelled its 2024/2025 local government recruitment due to irregularities and job racketeering, approving 4,000 new positions to be filled through a transparent digital process.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cross-river-state-cancels-local-government-recruitment-over-irregularities

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Cite as: Cross River State local government recruitment dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cross-river-state-local-government-recruitment-dispute