By Joe Ephraim, Calabar
The 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration in Cross River State was marked by a mix of commendation and concern, as Governor Bassey Edet Otu outlined his administration’s worker-focused reforms, while organised labour pressed for urgent action on lingering welfare and economic challenges.
In his message delivered to commemorate the May 1 event, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s “People First” philosophy, emphasizing that the wellbeing of workers remains central to governance and development in the state.
He noted that policies implemented under his leadership are designed to cushion the impact of economic hardship and improve productivity. He commended the state workforce for maintaining industrial harmony, describing it as critical to sustainable growth.
The governor listed several initiatives undertaken to improve workers’ welfare and service delivery. These include ongoing capacity-building programmes, with civil servants receiving monthly ICT training, as well as specialized certifications in health, safety, and public communication.
He also cited improvements in the work environment, including the restoration of electricity to government offices, renovation of facilities, and enhanced security through patrols. In addition, the administration provided operational vehicles to labour unions to support their activities.
On housing, Otu disclosed that his government had allocated land across the three senatorial districts for a civil servants’ housing scheme, with construction of 1,000 units already underway in the southern district. He further referenced the development of a staff club and event centre to boost morale and social interaction among workers.
Other measures highlighted include the restoration of annual step increments, implementation of promotions, recruitment into the civil service, extension of maternity leave from 16 to 24 weeks, and the review of public service rules to align with current realities.
The governor also pointed to regular payment of salaries and pensions, as well as efforts to clear a backlog of gratuities inherited from previous administrations. According to him, N10 billion has been set aside for gratuity payments, with liabilities up to 2015 already cleared in the first phase.
Responding to some of the concerns earlier raised by labour leaders, Governor Otu clarified that his administration has implemented a unified salary structure across the state, noting that variations in allowances are tied to specific job conditions rather than disparities in pay systems.
He also addressed calls for increased labour involvement in policymaking, stating that while trade unions play an important advocacy role, their participation must align with existing labour laws.
On other issues such as retirement age adjustments and local government employment concerns, the governor assured that committees have been set up to review and provide recommendations.
Despite acknowledging some progress, labour leaders used the occasion to highlight pressing challenges facing workers.
Speaking earlier, the Cross River State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Olayi Gregory, painted a grim picture of the workforce, citing insecurity, inflation, and declining living standards as major threats to productivity and wellbeing.
He warned that “a worker living in fear cannot produce at full capacity,” noting that insecurity across communities and highways continues to disrupt livelihoods and economic activities.
Gregory also lamented the erosion of purchasing power due to rising inflation, stating that many workers now struggle to survive despite being employed. He described the current situation as one where the promise of decent work remains largely unfulfilled.
The NLC outlined a series of demands, including the implementation of long-overdue promotions, harmonization of pensions with the new minimum wage, settlement of outstanding gratuities, and proper implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage agreement reached in 2024.
Other concerns raised include the regularization of local government staff employment, the retirement age for teachers and health workers, recognition of trade unions such as the Motorcycle Operators Union, and improved funding for state institutions, including the University of Cross River State.
The union noted that it had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government over these issues but suspended action to allow room for dialogue.
Similarly, the Acting Chairman of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria in the state, Comrade Ken Bassey, emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration between government and labour.
Aligning with the national theme of the 2026 celebration, “Insecurity and Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” he described both issues as major obstacles to economic stability and workforce productivity.
While commending the state government for implementing the minimum wage and ensuring regular salary payments, Bassey acalled for full compliance with agreed frameworks and further improvements in workers’ welfare.
He presented key demands, including harmonization of salary structures, timely promotions, pension adjustments, payment of gratuities, and provision of office space and operational support for labour bodies.
Both government and labour leaders agreed on the need to balance economic development with workers’ welfare. While the administration emphasized ongoing reforms and fiscal responsibility, unions insisted on clear timelines and concrete action to address outstanding issues.
As the event concluded, stakeholders called for sustained dialogue to bridge gaps and strengthen industrial relations in the state.
