In order to fit newly hired workers into the state workforce, the Taraba State government has lowered the monthly salary of street sweepers under the Operation Keep Taraba Clean program from N15,000 to N10,000.
Speaking to reporters in Jalingo, Hon. Illiya Kefas, the chairman of the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency, verified the news.
He claims that the choice was made in accordance with a mandate from Governor Agbu Kefas as the administration attempts to control its expenses following the hiring of more employees.
and civil services provided by municipal governments
Indeed, we paid the sweepers N10,000 apiece this month rather than N15,000, Kefas stated.
When they were first hired in 2023, the street sweepers were paid N20,000 per month. They were allegedly advised to take a N5,000 wage cut or risk losing their positions, which resulted in their compensation being lowered to N15,000 in 2024.
Kefas clarified that the state’s financial obligations and the Federation Account’s restricted allocations had an impact on the most recent cut.
He defended the choice by saying that employees who didn’t like the arrangement might quit.
“I am entitled to demand that my employees labour for N10,000. “Anyone who is interested will work, and you can go your own way if you’re not,” he said.
He continued by saying that the organization also funds garbage evacuation and sanitation initiatives, as well as supervisors, coordinators, monitoring teams, and temporary employees throughout the 16 local government units in the state.
“Cutting their pay is perfectly acceptable. He asked, “Do you journalists ask us how we run the agency?”
Given that many low-income workers continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, labour groups and locals are likely to be concerned about the salary drop.
About The Author
