Workers at the Obudu Ranch Resort in Cross River State have received five months of outstanding salary arrears following a peaceful protest over the non-payment of their wages.
The workers staged the protest on July 1, 2026, demanding the payment of their outstanding salaries. The demonstration reportedly remained peaceful.
The development changed on Wednesday after Governor Bassey Otu approved the immediate release of funds to clear the salary arrears owed to the workers.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Sunday Michael, workers began receiving payment alerts after the governor's approval. Outstanding allowances were also reportedly included in the payment.
“From last night, staff started receiving alerts. The mood at the Ranch this morning is one of joy, gratitude, and renewed hope,” Michael said.
He added that Governor Otu had directed the management of the resort to ensure that salaries were paid promptly in the future to prevent the accumulation of another backlog.
The payment has brought relief to workers and their families, who had reportedly faced financial pressure during the period they went without their salaries.
A staff member, Unimashi Adah, also expressed appreciation to the governor for intervening in the matter and prioritising the welfare of the workers.
The Special Adviser urged the workers to reciprocate the government's intervention with increased commitment and dedication to their duties as efforts continue to reposition the Obudu Ranch Resort as a major tourism destination.
The latest development comes as the Cross River State Government continues its efforts to revive the iconic resort, which has faced years of operational and infrastructural challenges.
The government has previously announced plans to reconstruct and reposition the facility as part of efforts to restore its tourism value, create jobs and boost economic opportunities in the state.
However, while the payment has been welcomed by the workers, the development has also raised questions about the circumstances that led to the accumulation of five months' salary arrears in the first place.
For now, the immediate concern of the workers has been addressed. The bigger test, however, will be whether the governor's directive for prompt salary payment will be sustained and whether the resort can successfully return to the level of tourism activity for which it was once known.
The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of workers and the full revival of Obudu Ranch Resort.
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