Taraba LG workers decry salary delay, urge state action

The Bureau for Local Government, Traditions, and Chieftaincy Affairs has addressed growing concerns over the delayed payment of February 2025 salaries for Local Government staff across Taraba State.

In a statement released on Monday, the Bureau’s Permanent Secretary, Engineer Godfrey Dame Andrew, attributed the delay to the state’s non-receipt of its statutory allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which he described as crucial for salary disbursement.

“The delay is not intentional. The government remains resolute and committed to the welfare of Local Government staff and assures them that salaries will be paid as soon as the allocation is received,” the statement read.

While the Bureau expressed regret over the situation and urged patience, affected workers across the state’s 16 local government councils voiced their frustrations.

Speaking with The Guardian, several council workers criticised what they described as the government’s lukewarm attitude toward their plight.

Citing neighbouring Adamawa State, where Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri reportedly used internally generated revenue (IGR) to pay February salaries, the aggrieved workers called on Governor Agbu Kefas to adopt a similar approach.

“Why must we always wait for FAAC allocations before receiving our salaries?” one worker lamented. “We know how much revenue this government generates, yet resources are being wasted on ventures that do not benefit the people. The delay is making life difficult for us and our families.”

With the ongoing Ramadan fast, many of the workers said the delay has had an adverse effect, urging the government to act before the fasting period ends.

As pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether the Taraba State Government will explore alternative funding sources to settle the outstanding salaries or continue to wait for the FAAC disbursement.