Cross River Governor Otu Restores 3,000 Local Government Workers After Labour Meeting

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has approved the restoration of about 3,000 local government workers to the state payroll following discussions with organised labour. The decision was reached during a meeting between the governor and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Calabar on October 2, 2026.

The labour representatives had appealed to the governor to reconsider the removal of workers who had already spent about two years in service. They argued that many of the affected workers depended on their salaries for their livelihoods.

Responding to the appeal, Otu acknowledged the impact that abruptly removing workers from the payroll could have on affected families and approved the restoration of the workers.

However, the governor maintained that the government’s ongoing intervention in the public service was aimed at correcting payroll and employment irregularities, ensuring due process and making sure appointments and remuneration were based on appropriate qualifications and established standards.

The state government subsequently clarified that the 3,000 workers would be retained as genuine employees while the verification exercise continues. According to the Commissioner for Information, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, the exercise is designed to identify and remove ghost workers, underage persons and other questionable entries from the payroll.

The meeting also addressed other labour-related issues, including outstanding promotions, salary harmonisation, pensioners’ entitlements and the welfare of low-income workers.

Governor Otu said his administration would continue engaging organised labour as it works to address the state’s financial obligations and improve workers’ welfare.

The NLC leadership welcomed the decision, describing it as a response to the concerns raised by labour and expressing support for continued dialogue with the state government.

The restoration of the workers is expected to provide relief for affected employees while allowing the Cross River government to continue its payroll verification process.