By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Taraba State Government has reduced the monthly salary of workers under its Operation Keep Taraba Clean programme from ₦15,000 to ₦10,000, a decision that has triggered concern among residents and affected workers.
The reduction was confirmed by the Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency, Illiya Kefas, during a briefing in Jalingo.
He said the move followed directives from Governor Agbu Kefas, adding that the state is under rising financial pressure due to increased wage obligations and fresh recruitment into the civil service.
Kefas also blamed declining federal allocations for the government’s inability to sustain previous payment levels.
According to him, the government had no choice but to take “difficult decisions” in order to keep essential services running.
The affected workers, popularly known as street sweepers, were initially earning ₦20,000 when the programme began in 2023. The pay was later reduced to ₦15,000 in 2024 before the latest cut to ₦10,000.
Reports indicate that the new salary structure has already been implemented, with workers receiving ₦10,000 for May 2026.
Kefas defended the decision, saying the sanitation agency is facing heavy operational costs across Taraba’s 16 local government areas, including payments to supervisors, coordinators, and waste management staff.
He added that workers who are dissatisfied with the new pay structure are free to exit the programme.
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