Controversy trails Taraba govt’s decision to slash weepers’ stipend

The Danji SS Media Team has criticised the Taraba state government’s decision to reduce the monthly stipend paid to street sweepers under the “Operation Keep Taraba Clean” programme from N15,000 to N10,000.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the team described the decision as insensitive, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges affecting residents across the state.

The group also faulted remarks attributed to the Director General of the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency, Illiya Kefas, who reportedly told workers dissatisfied with the reduction that they were “free to go.”

According to the statement, many of the affected sweepers are widows and unemployed young women who depend on the stipend for their livelihoods.

The media team expressed disappointment with the policy, arguing that the state government should have considered improving workers’ welfare rather than reducing their earnings. It cited neighbouring Plateau state as an example, noting that governor Caleb Mutfwang reportedly increased street sweepers’ pay from N8,000 to N30,000 in October 2025.

The statement questioned the government’s explanation that the reduction was necessary to accommodate newly recruited civil servants, alleging that the state had received substantial federal allocations and loans since the removal of fuel subsidy.

The group further alleged that salary payment delays had become frequent in Taraba State, with workers often receiving salaries in batches and behind schedule. It described the development as concerning, especially at a time when many states are benefiting from increased federal revenue.

The team also criticised what it described as the government’s focus on major infrastructure projects while basic services remain inadequate. It cited challenges in water supply and healthcare delivery, and raised concerns over the condition of the Taraba State Water Supply Agency (TAWASCO), warning of possible public health risks during the rainy season.

In addition, the statement expressed concern over workers whose salaries were allegedly suspended for extended periods before being reinstated, arguing that the reduction in sweepers’ stipends reflects broader fiscal challenges within the state.