News
Amid hardship, Gov Kefas reduces street sweepers’ salaries from N15,000 to N10,000
The Taraba State Government has reduced the monthly stipends of workers under the “Operation Keep Taraba Clean” environmental programme, popularly known as street sweepers, from N15,000 to N10,000, citing financial adjustments linked to fresh recruitment into the state civil service.
The Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency, Hon. Illiya Kefas, confirmed the development while speaking with journalists in Jalingo.
According to him, the decision followed a directive from Governor Agbu Kefas aimed at managing limited state resources after the recent employment of new civil servants across ministries and local government councils.
“Yes, we did not pay the sweepers N15,000 this month; we paid them N10,000 each,” he said.
The street sweepers were initially engaged in 2023 on a monthly allowance of N20,000, but their earnings have gradually declined over time due to repeated downward adjustments.
In March 2024, they were reportedly asked to accept a reduction of N5,000 or risk losing their jobs, bringing their monthly pay to N15,000. Reports now indicate that the latest payment further reduces their take-home to N10,000.
Hon. Kefas explained that the decision was necessary to balance competing financial obligations, particularly following large-scale recruitment into the state workforce.
He also cited reduced allocations from the Federation Account as another factor influencing the pay adjustment.
In a further message to journalists, he defended the decision, stating that dissatisfied workers were free to leave the programme.
“I have the right to ask my people to work at N10,000. Anyone interested will work, and if you are not, you can go your way,” he said.
He added that the sanitation agency also bears significant costs in managing supervisors, coordinators, and monitoring teams across all 16 local government areas of the state.
The latest reduction has sparked concerns over the welfare of low-income workers, especially amid rising living costs, with observers warning that the policy could further deepen hardship among casual labourers.
Follow Us on Google Discover
US networks suspend Trump coverage after White House bars three media outlets
BREAKING: Dangote refinery cuts petrol price to N1,325 per litre
‘It’s Not Only Me’ — Wike lists G5 Governors who have benefited under Tinubu
Obi supporters won Rivers only in their imagination – Wike
BREAKING: Tinubu extends vacation by one week, expected to return Weekend
2027 Will be the easiest election for Tinubu, I’ll Deliver FCT, Rivers — Wike
BREAKING: Live or Dead, I’ll never support Uzodinma to become Senate President of Nigeria — Wike
Alleged rights violation: Fagbemi seeks dismissal of El-Rufai’s N1bn suit
Alleged forgery: Court frees Uche Nnaji’s passport, clears way for overseas medical treatment
21 Days have come and gone, you are still on vacation, who is in charge of Nigeria – Atiku tackles Tinubu
JAMB fires staff over alleged extortion of candidates
2027: APM names Safriel Glah as running mate for Adamawa governorship poll
Protest rock Taraba Nursing College as hoodlums attack female hostel, rape student
By what magic are you going to force people to farm? – Sowunmi knocks Peter Obi
“The Pits You Dig for Me, You Shall Fall Into It – Sen. Natasha blast Akpabio over leaked audio
BREAKING: Tinubu confirms absence from 81st UN General Assembly in New York, directs Shettima to lead Nigerian delegation
Tinubu to appoint Wike as Rivers, FCT campaign council coordinator amid rift with APC Govs
NSCDC releases names of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in custody (Full list)
Crisis looms in NDC as OK Movement clash with pary chairman, Head of Operations resign over campaign council list
Hardship: Civil Servants ask Tinubu to stabilise petrol at N500, pay N500,000 minimum wage
“The Pits You Dig for Me, You Shall Fall Into It – Sen. Natasha blast Akpabio over leaked audio
Mambilla Project: EFCC opens probe into Adesanya, Atiku, Malami, others named in Tribunal Award
21 Days have come and gone, you are still on vacation, who is in charge of Nigeria – Atiku tackles Tinubu
Falconets crash out of 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup after 1-0 loss to Colombia
UNGA: Tinubu afraid of becoming Trump’s next Nicolas Maduro – Atiku
‘Why are afraid of entering America?’, Atiku blasts Tinubu for missing third consecutive UNGA
By what magic are you going to force people to farm? – Sowunmi knocks Peter Obi
NDLEA seizes N3.4bn drugs, nab fake cop, mechanic
2027: ‘Obi will defeat Tinubu by a wider margin in Lagos’ — NDC
