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CALABAR, Nigeria – Local government workers in Cross River State have staged a protest over the non-payment of their salaries, accusing authorities of owing them 11 months’ wages and demanding immediate intervention to end the prolonged hardship.
The aggrieved workers, who gathered in protest, said the salary arrears have left many unable to meet basic living expenses, pay school fees, settle rent, or provide for their families. They called on the Cross River State Government and the affected local government authorities to urgently address the situation.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters described the prolonged delay in salary payments as unacceptable, arguing that public servants who continue to discharge their duties deserve to be paid promptly.
According to the workers, the non-payment of salaries has resulted in severe economic and psychological hardship, with many employees reportedly struggling to access healthcare, repay loans, and sustain their households amid Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
Labour representatives maintained that salaries are a constitutional entitlement rather than a privilege, urging the government to prioritize workers’ welfare and honour its financial obligations without further delay.
The protest has renewed concerns over the financial health of some local government councils across Nigeria, where delays in salary payments have remained a recurring challenge. Analysts argue that persistent wage arrears not only affect workers’ morale and productivity but also weaken service delivery in critical sectors such as primary healthcare, basic education, sanitation, and local administration.
The development is also expected to intensify calls for greater transparency in local government finances, particularly following recent reforms aimed at strengthening local government autonomy. Labour leaders and civil society groups have argued that improved financial independence should translate into better accountability and the timely payment of workers’ salaries.
As of the time of filing this report, the Cross River State Government and the affected local government authorities had not issued a detailed official response to the workers’ demands. The protesters, however, vowed to sustain lawful actions until their outstanding salaries are fully paid.
