The Taraba State Government has commenced payment of five months’ outstanding salary arrears owed to local government workers across the state’s 16 council areas. The exercise was flagged off on Tuesday in Sunkani, headquarters of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, by Godfrey Dame, Permanent Secretary of the Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Dame said the payment follows a directive from Governor Agbu Kefas to clear arrears owed to local government staff dating back to 2015. Beneficiaries will receive one month of the outstanding arrears at a time, with subsequent payments made monthly until the five-month backlog is fully settled.
“Today’s exercise is in compliance with the governor’s directive to pay the five months’ outstanding arrears owed to local government staff,” Dame said. “The payment covers local government workers, primary school teachers and retirees across the 16 local government areas.”
He explained that the staggered arrangement was designed to ensure all eligible beneficiaries are properly captured in the payment process. Dame urged recipients to reciprocate the gesture through greater commitment to their duties and support for the administration.
Comrade Bajison Damuga, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Taraba State chapter, commended the governor for approving the payment. He described the decision as a relief to workers who had been affected by the outstanding salaries, and called on local government employees to respond with punctuality, discipline, dedication and improved service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Usman Buba expressed appreciation to the government for initiating the payment. He said the disbursement would provide relief to workers who had faced financial difficulties due to the arrears.
Earlier, Umar Badaware, Chairman of Ardo-Kola Local Government Council, described the move as a “worker-friendly decision” and praised the administration for prioritising staff welfare.
The payments mark a significant step in addressing long-standing salary obligations in the state’s local government system.
