The Taraba State Government has begun paying five months’ outstanding salary arrears owed to local government workers, primary school teachers and retirees across the state’s 16 local government areas, in a move aimed at easing the financial burden on affected beneficiaries and fulfilling Governor Agbu Kefas’ directive to clear the backlog.
Speaking on Tuesday during the flag-off of the payment in Sunkani, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government, Traditional and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Godfrey Dame, said the payment followed Governor Kefas’ directive to clear the salary arrears owed to local government workers since 2015. He explained that beneficiaries would receive one month’s arrears at a time, with subsequent payments made monthly until the five months were fully settled.
Dame said the exercise was in line with the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of local government workers, primary school teachers and retirees across the state.
“Today’s exercise is in compliance with the governor’s directive to pay the five months’ outstanding arrears owed to local government staff,” he said.
According to him, the payment covers local government workers, primary school teachers and retirees in all 16 local government areas of the state.
He added that the phased payment arrangement was designed to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries were captured in the payment process.
Dame urged beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by showing greater commitment to their duties and supporting the state government’s efforts.
The President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Taraba State chapter, Comrade Bajison Damuga, commended Governor Kefas for approving the payment, describing the decision as a major relief for workers affected by the outstanding salaries.
He also urged local government employees to reciprocate the gesture through punctuality, discipline, dedication and improved service delivery.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Usman Buba expressed appreciation to the state government for beginning the payment, saying it would provide much-needed relief to workers who had faced financial difficulties because of the unpaid salaries.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ardo-Kola Local Government Council, Mr Umar Badaware, commended the state government for what he described as a worker-friendly decision.
