Cross River Records Major Worker Welfare Gains as Otu Unveils Reforms at May Day

 The 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration in Cross River State was marked by a blend of commendation and strong demands for improved welfare, as government and organised labour presented contrasting but complementary perspectives on the state of workers.

By Victoria Omini- CALABAR 

In a goodwill message, Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a people first approach, highlighting a range of policies aimed at improving workers’ welfare and productivity. He described workers as the engine room of government, noting that their wellbeing remains central to sustainable development in the state.

The governor listed key achievements, including ongoing capacity building programmes, improved work environments, provision of official vehicles to labour unions, and the launch of a housing scheme for civil servants. He also pointed to the restoration of annual incremental benefits, implementation of promotions, and extension of maternity leave from 16 to 24 weeks as evidence of his administration’s responsiveness to workers’ needs.

He further noted progress in the regular payment of salaries and pensions, as well as efforts to clear inherited gratuity backlogs, announcing that additional payments would commence within weeks. While addressing labour concerns, the governor assured that issues such as retirement age for health workers and employment regularisation were under review, stressing that government remains open to dialogue within the bounds of existing laws.

Despite these assurances, organised labour painted a more sobering picture of workers’ realities. In his address, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, Comrade Gregory Olayi, described the celebration as a moment of reflection amid rising insecurity, inflation, and declining purchasing power.

He lamented that many workers now struggle to survive despite being employed, warning that insecurity across communities and highways continues to undermine productivity and livelihoods. Olayi recalled that labour had earlier issued a seven day ultimatum to the government over unresolved issues but suspended the action in good faith to allow room for engagement.

Among the key demands raised were the implementation of long overdue promotions, protection of local government employees, harmonisation of pensions in line with the new minimum wage, and payment of outstanding gratuities. Labour also criticised what it described as distortions in the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage agreement, insisting that agreements reached must be honoured.

Other concerns included the retirement age policy for teachers, welfare of health workers, funding challenges affecting the University of Cross River State, and the need for full financial autonomy for the judiciary. The union warned that failure to address these issues within a reasonable timeframe could compel workers to take further action.

Similarly, the Acting Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in the state, Comrade Ken Bassey, acknowledged the government’s efforts, particularly in maintaining relative security and regular salary payments, but urged more comprehensive implementation of agreed policies.

He called for harmonisation of salary structures, timely promotions, improved pension administration, and better inclusion of labour in policy formulation. He also advocated sector specific adjustments, especially for health and creative industry workers, alongside the settlement of outstanding entitlements to retirees.

While commending ongoing infrastructural improvements in government institutions, Bassey appealed for continued collaboration between government and labour to strengthen industrial harmony and ensure that workers’ expectations are met.

Across all speeches, a common theme emerged, the urgent need to address insecurity and poverty, which were identified as major obstacles to decent work. Labour leaders stressed that without safety and fair wages, productivity and economic growth would remain limited.

As the celebrations concluded, both government and labour expressed a willingness to continue dialogue. However, workers made it clear that beyond the ceremonies, tangible action on their demands would determine the true significance of this year’s May Day.