Scores of local government workers in Cross River State on Wednesday staged a protest at the office of Governor Bassey Otu, demanding the immediate payment of salary arrears they claim have remained outstanding for 11 months.
The aggrieved workers, carrying placards with various inscriptions, expressed frustration over what they described as prolonged financial hardship caused by the non-payment of their wages.
Some of the protesters chanted solidarity songs while calling on the state government to urgently intervene, insisting that many workers have been pushed into severe economic distress.
According to the workers, the salary backlog has made it increasingly difficult to meet basic family obligations, including paying children's school fees, settling medical bills, and providing food for their households.
Several protesters appealed directly to Governor Otu to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unpaid salaries and ensure that affected workers receive their entitlements without further delay.
"We have worked diligently, yet many of us have gone for 11 months without salaries. We are suffering, and our families are bearing the consequences," one of the protesters said.
The workers maintained that repeated appeals through official channels had yielded little progress, prompting them to take their grievances directly to the Government House in search of urgent intervention.
They stressed that the protest was peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to the challenges confronting local government employees across parts of the state.
The demonstrators urged the state government to engage with labour representatives and relevant local government authorities to develop a lasting solution to the salary crisis.
The protest attracted attention from passers-by and government officials, while security personnel monitored the gathering to ensure that law and order were maintained.
As of the time of filing this report, the Cross River State Government had not issued an official statement addressing the workers' claims or outlining any immediate plans regarding the alleged salary arrears.
Labour unions have consistently argued that regular salary payments are essential to maintaining an efficient public service and sustaining workers' morale.
Economic analysts note that prolonged delays in salary payments often have wider implications beyond affected employees, as reduced household income can weaken local businesses and slow economic activity within communities.
Across Nigeria, salary-related disputes involving state and local government workers have remained a recurring issue, with labour unions frequently calling for stronger fiscal management and improved transparency in public finance.
Public sector experts say resolving salary arrears promptly is critical to maintaining confidence in government institutions and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of public services.
Observers also believe that constructive dialogue between government officials, labour unions, and local government administrators remains the most effective path toward resolving such disputes peacefully.
The workers appealed to Governor Otu to prioritise their welfare, expressing hope that the administration would take swift action to address the situation and restore confidence among public servants.
They further urged authorities to strengthen financial accountability within local government administration to prevent similar challenges from recurring in the future.
The alleged non-payment of salaries for nearly a year highlights the financial challenges facing some local government workers and raises concerns about employee welfare, public service delivery, and fiscal management. Salary delays can significantly affect livelihoods, reduce productivity, and place additional pressure on local economies. A timely resolution could improve labour relations and reinforce public confidence in governance across Cross River State.
Local government workers in Cross River State have taken their grievances to Governor Bassey Otu's office, protesting what they describe as 11 months of unpaid salaries. The demonstrators are demanding immediate payment of outstanding wages and greater government intervention to ease their hardship. While the state government is yet to issue an official response, the protest has renewed attention on workers' welfare and the need for sustainable financial management within Nigeria's public sector.