CALABAR – The Cross River Government has assured workers that Gov. Bassey Otu would continue to prioritise their welfare as part of efforts to engender development across the state.
It noted that aside from the full implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, the government had provided a conducive working environment to ensure the productivity of its workers.
Dr Erasmus Ekpang, the state Commissioner for Information, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Calabar on Saturday.
According to him, the present administration, since its inception, has relentlessly pursued and cleared backlogs of promotion arrears, and kick-started payment of unpaid gratuities of retirees dating back to 2014.
“It is not true that Cross River is yet to implement the new wage law, as a matter of fact, the state commenced implementation of the new wage since Dec.1, 2024.
“The Bassey Otu-led government will do anything to ensure a productive workforce, and the way to go about this is to promote their welfare,” he stated.
Ekpang, who spoke on the unpaid gratuities, acknowledged the financial burden inherited by the administration.
“Tackling the backlog remains top priority and the government has started it with the release of N10 billion.
“We are deeply concerned for our retirees who dedicated over three decades of service to the state, only to face hardship due to unpaid entitlements.
“The people who worked hard for this state deserve better. Their prayers should not be prayers of tears.
“Whether still in service or retired, Governor Otu’s position is that workers should be protected in order not to discourage those willing to take up appointments with the government in future,” he said. (NAN)
