Governor Bassey Edet Otu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity, and advancement of workers in Cross River State, describing them as the “heartbeat of the state” and the engine that powers its progress.
Speaking through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the Governor praised the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices of workers across all sectors.
Governor Otu, in a powerful solidarity message, acknowledged the struggles and expectations of the state’s workforce, assuring that their calls for better welfare, timely promotions, reliable pensions, and fair treatment have not gone unheard.
“You have not asked for handouts; you have asked for fairness. You have not demanded privilege; you have asked for recognition. And I give you my solemn assurance—you are heard, you are seen, you matter,” he declared.
He highlighted key interventions made by his administration since assuming office, including the regular payment of salaries, the release of N10 billion for backlog of gratuities, implementation of the new national minimum wage, and investments in digital literacy and merit-based reforms in the civil service. Governor Otu emphasized that these were not done for applause but in pursuit of a sustainable and dignified future for workers.
In his address, Comrade Gregory Olayi, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Cross River State, lauded the Governor’s achievements in infrastructural renewal, security restoration through Operation Okwok, and the revival of state-owned economic assets. He noted that these efforts justify the labour movement’s decision to honour Governor Otu with the titles “Most Labour Friendly Governor” and “Mr. Infrastructure.” He confirmed that the State is among the those that started the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage with consequential adjustment.
Comrade Olayi however noted that negotiations are still ongoing on some areas of concerns, including delayed promotions, inconsistent gratuity payments, disparities in minimum wage implementation, and a few others. He called for the harmonization of pensions, restoration of union activities in public transport hubs, and the proper recognition of qualified personnel in the civil service.
Comrade Monday Ogbodum, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), also commended the Governor for his people-centered policies, including the REDI programme for retirees and efforts to reclaim Cross River’s 76 oil wells. Yet, he echoed similar concerns regarding promotion arrears, unfulfilled employment offers, and the need for official vehicles for union operations.
Ogbodum, who used the occasion to announce his impending exit as TUC Chairman, urged the government to urgently address the excess of security checkpoints inflating transportation costs.
Adding a personal voice to the day’s celebration, retiree Agnes Bisong expressed heartfelt appreciation for the release of N10 billion in gratuities, which she said brought much-needed relief to senior citizens. She expressed confidence that Governor Otu’s administration would continue to uphold its promise to Cross River’s retirees.
The event climaxed with the presentation of two 18-seater buses to the NLC and TUC Chairmen, a symbolic gesture reinforcing the state government’s partnership with the labour movement.
Nsa Gill
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
