Controversy trails Taraba govt’s decision to slash weepers’ stipend
The Danji SS Media Team has criticized the Taraba State government’s recent decision to reduce the monthly stipend for street sweepers under the “Operation Keep Taraba Clean” program from 15,000 naira to 10,000 naira. In a statement issued Tuesday, the team called the decision insensitive, especially in light of the ongoing economic challenges facing residents in the state.
The group also took issue with comments attributed to Illiya Kefas, the Director General of the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency, who reportedly told workers unhappy with the pay cut that they were “free to go.”
The statement noted that many affected sweepers are widows and unemployed young women who rely on the stipend for their livelihoods. The media team expressed disappointment with the policy, arguing that the state government should prioritize enhancing workers’ welfare rather than reducing their earnings. They pointed to neighboring Plateau State, where Governor Caleb Mutfwang reportedly increased street sweepers’ pay from 8,000 naira to 30,000 naira in October 2025.
Additionally, the Danji SS Media Team questioned the government’s rationale for the pay reduction, which was said to be necessary to accommodate newly recruited civil servants. They claimed that the state has received substantial federal allocations and loans since the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The team further alleged that delays in salary payments for state workers have become common, with salaries often distributed in batches and not on time. They described this situation as troubling, particularly when many states are experiencing increased federal revenue.
Moreover, the group criticized the government’s focus on large infrastructure projects while basic services, such as water supply and healthcare, remain inadequate. They expressed concern over the condition of the Taraba State Water Supply Agency (TAWASCO), warning of potential public health risks during the rainy season.
The statement concluded by highlighting ongoing issues related to workers whose salaries have been suspended for extended periods before being reinstated, arguing that the reduction in stipends for sweepers reflects broader fiscal challenges within the state.
