The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Cross River State have drawn a line in the sand, issuing a stern 14-day ultimatum to the state government. They demand urgent resolution of critical labour issues or face a total shutdown of government activities.
Failed Promises and a Final Warning
In a strongly-worded letter addressed to Governor Bassey Otu, the unions expressed deep disappointment over the government's failure to act. This comes four months after they suspended an initial strike notice issued on July 17, 2025. The letter, titled “Re: Workers/Labour Issues — 14 Days Ultimatum for His Excellency’s Urgent Intervention,” was made public on Wednesday, December 4, 2025.
It was jointly signed by NLC Chairman, Comrade Gregory Olayi; TUC Chairman, Comrade Monday Ogbodum; State Joint Negotiating Council (SJNC) Chairman, Comrade Raymond Akan; and the secretaries of both unions. The labour leaders lamented that despite several meetings with officials like the Head of Service and the Accountant-General, their concerns remain unaddressed because these officials lack a specific mandate from the governor to make decisions.
A Catalogue of Unresolved Grievances
The unions listed a series of unresolved issues that have pushed workers to the brink. These are not minor complaints but fundamental breaches affecting livelihoods and morale. The key demands include:
- Salary disparity between state and local government workers.
- Non-implementation of promotions and delayed salaries for local government staff.
- Exclusion of labour representatives from government activities.
- Pension harmonisation and the controversial resurgence of the Contributory Pension Scheme.
- Agitations by health workers and poor disposition of the Accountant-General towards welfare.
- Implementation of the Consolidated Parliamentary Staff Salary Structure and ‘way-in’ allowances for media workers.
A major point of contention is the unions' inability to secure a meeting with Governor Bassey Otu himself since December 2024. This perceived silence and inaccessibility have fueled frustration.
The Countdown to a Shutdown
The Organised Labour held a crucial meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, where they resolved to reactivate the suspended industrial action. The 14-day ultimatum officially took effect from Thursday, November 27, 2025, and is set to expire on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
In their appeal, the unions reminded the governor of the previously peaceful relationship and their desire for sustained industrial peace. They stated, "In our desire for a sustained industrial peace and the robust relationship we have built with your administration over the years, we expect an expeditious resolution of these issues."
As of the time of reporting, the state government had not formally responded to the ultimatum. Efforts to reach the Governor's Special Adviser on Labour, Comrade Clarkson Otu, were unsuccessful. All eyes are now on Governor Bassey Otu's administration to see if it will engage in last-minute dialogue or brace for a major industrial dispute that could paralyse public services in Cross River State.
