Labour Day: Gov. Otu announces N40,000 minimum wage, appeals for patience over gratuity backlog

By Ene Ene, Calabar

The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu has announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 for the state workers, saying that the new wage implementation aligns with the realities of the time in the state rather than sentiments.

“Owing to the peculiarity of Cross River State regarding its lean finances occasioned by low Statutory Federal Allocation and aggravated by the unfavorable State GDP to Debt servicing ratio, the new wage implementation is in line with the realities of the time rather than sentiments.”

Otu made this known while addressing workers during this year’s worked day celebration that took place at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Wednesday.

He said that the payment of salaries to workers, pension entitlement has remained the first-line charge of his administration.

The Governor however appealed for patience on the payment of the backlog of gratuity in the state, which dates back to 2014; “Government is presently on the verge of concluding necessary arrangements for the staggered payment of outstanding gratuity to its retired workers.”

He assured that his government had prioritized the well-being of workers by ensuring timely payment of salaries and pensions, conducting promotions, and planning to employ qualified youths.

However, in addition to celebrating workers, the Governor calls for increased productivity among workers, highlighting the importance of reciprocating the government’s efforts.

Governor Otu emphasized further the need for workers to enhance their output to match the support provided by the government.