Cross River Workers Protest 11 Months of Unpaid Salaries

Newly employed local government workers in Cross River State staged a peaceful protest in Calabar on Wednesday, demanding the approval of their enrollment on the state payroll due to 11 months of unpaid salaries. The protesters, representing various local government areas, marched to the Governor’s Office despite heavy rain, holding placards with messages such as “We are suffering” and “We need our salaries.” Uchi Julius, a representative of the workers, stated that many employed in 2025 had not received salaries despite working for nearly a year, leading to severe hardship for many.

He mentioned that some colleagues had died during the verification process initiated by the government. Another protester, Happiness Augustine, echoed similar sentiments, pleading for the governor's intervention.

In response, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, acknowledged the workers' concerns and assured them that the government was finalizing processes to address the issue, referencing a panel of inquiry that had submitted its report.