The Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency has reduced the monthly salary of street sweepers under its “Operation Keep Taraba Clean” programme from ₦15,000 to ₦10,000, a decision that has generated criticism from residents and social media users.

The agency said the move was necessary to accommodate financial pressures linked to the recruitment of additional civil servants and declining available resources.

Workers Face Another Salary Reduction

The affected workers, mostly women and low-income youths, were initially employed in 2023 on a monthly salary of ₦20,000.

Their pay was later reduced to ₦15,000 before the latest cut to ₦10,000.

The reduction was announced by the agency’s chairman, Hon. Illiya Kefas, who said the adjustment was part of efforts to manage operational costs amid budget constraints.

Agency Defends Decision

According to Kefas, the agency is under pressure to balance available resources while sustaining government obligations.

He reportedly stated that workers dissatisfied with the new arrangement are free to leave the programme.

The chairman maintained that the decision was taken in response to financial realities facing the state government.

Residents Question Government Priorities

The decision has sparked backlash, particularly as reports indicate that Taraba State received about ₦42.62 billion in Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements during the first quarter of 2026.

Critics argue that reducing the earnings of some of the state’s lowest-paid workers sends the wrong message at a time when living costs continue to rise across the country.

Many residents have questioned why sanitation workers should bear the burden of budget adjustments while government officials continue to enjoy allowances and other benefits.

Concerns Over Welfare and Sanitation

The latest pay reduction leaves the workers earning far below Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage.

Observers warn that the move could affect staff morale and potentially impact sanitation services if workers decide to abandon their jobs.

The development has also reignited discussions about the welfare of casual workers and the challenges facing vulnerable households amid economic pressures.

Debate Continues

The agency has yet to provide details on how many workers will be affected or whether any support measures will be introduced to cushion the impact.

As public criticism grows, attention is likely to remain on the state’s handling of worker welfare and spending priorities in the coming weeks.