The Cross River State Government has settled five months of outstanding salary arrears owed to workers at the Obudu Ranch Resort, bringing relief to employees who recently staged a peaceful protest over the prolonged delay in the payment of their wages.
The payment followed the approval of Governor Bassey Otu and comes just weeks after workers at the state-owned tourism facility demonstrated over the unpaid salaries.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael. He disclosed that payment alerts, covering both salary arrears and outstanding allowances, began reflecting in the accounts of workers from Wednesday.
According to Michael, the governor directed the immediate settlement of all outstanding entitlements owed to the staff as part of his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare under its People First agenda.
He said the payment had restored confidence among employees, noting that the atmosphere at the resort had changed significantly following the release of the funds.
“Staff began receiving payment alerts from Wednesday. The mood at the Ranch is now one of excitement, gratitude and renewed hope. The governor fulfilled his promise without delay, demonstrating responsive and compassionate leadership,” he said.
Michael further revealed that Governor Otu has instructed the management of Obudu Ranch Resort to ensure that salaries are paid promptly going forward to prevent a recurrence of wage arrears.
He urged members of staff to reciprocate the government’s intervention by demonstrating greater dedication, professionalism and commitment to their duties as efforts continue to reposition the resort as one of Nigeria’s leading tourism destinations.
According to him, improved staff welfare will translate into better service delivery and enhance the overall experience of visitors to the resort.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of civil and public servants, while assuring that ongoing investments in the Obudu Ranch Resort are aimed at restoring the facility to its status as a major tourism hub capable of creating employment and stimulating economic growth in the state.
One of the resort’s employees, Mr. Unimashi Adah, expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for approving the payment, describing the intervention as timely and a demonstration of the administration’s concern for workers’ welfare.
The payment comes after workers of the Obudu Ranch Resort embarked on a peaceful protest on July 1, demanding the settlement of five months of unpaid salaries. The protest drew public attention to the workers’ plight and was followed by the government’s decision to clear the outstanding arrears.
Cross River Govt Clears Five-Month Salary Arrears for Obudu Ranch Workers After Protest
