The Taraba State Government has reduced the monthly salaries of street sweepers under the Operation Keep Taraba Clean initiative from ₦15,000 to ₦10,000, citing the need to accommodate newly employed civil servants in the state workforce.

The Chairman of the Taraba State Environmental and Sanitation Agency, Hon. Illiya Kefas, confirmed the development while speaking with journalists in Jalingo. He explained that the decision followed a directive from Governor Agbu Kefas aimed at managing the state's limited resources amid the recruitment of additional workers into the civil service.

According to reports, the street sweepers were initially engaged in 2023 with a monthly salary of ₦20,000. Their pay was later reduced to ₦15,000 after negotiations. However, workers reportedly received only ₦10,000 for May 2026, sparking concerns among affected employees.

Hon. Kefas defended the salary adjustment, stating that the government had to balance available funds with the growing wage obligations resulting from recent employment exercises at both state and local government levels. He maintained that the agency was operating within its financial capacity and noted that workers unwilling to continue under the new arrangement were free to leave the programme.

The development has generated reactions from residents and labour stakeholders, with many expressing concerns over the welfare of the street sweepers, many of whom rely on the income for their daily livelihood.

The salary reduction comes weeks after the Taraba State Government approved the reinstatement of thousands of workers and announced plans for fresh recruitment into the civil service.