Taraba Begins Phased Payment of Long-Standing Salary Arrears to LG Workers, Teachers and Pensioners

By Aga Samuel Imoter

The Taraba State Government has commenced the phased payment of salary arrears owed to local government workers, primary school teachers, pensioners and members of traditional councils, marking the start of efforts to clear outstanding entitlements dating back to 2015.

The exercise was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Ardo-Kola Local Government Secretariat in Sunkani by the Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Speaking at the event, the Bureau’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Andrew Dame, said Governor Agbu Kefas had approved the payment of five months of outstanding salary arrears inherited from previous administrations. He explained that, due to financial constraints, beneficiaries would initially receive one month’s arrears, with the remaining balance to be paid in instalments over the next five months.

Dame said the phased approach reflects the administration’s commitment to meeting its obligations despite current economic challenges. He also noted that the state has implemented the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 for public servants. He directed local government chairmen to ensure transparent disbursement of the funds, including payments to eligible next of kin of deceased workers.

Labour leaders, including the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Taraba State, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward improving workers’ welfare.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, pensioner Elnathan Bila Auta thanked the state government, saying the payments would provide much-needed relief to retirees and their families.