Taraba LG Workers, Pry School Teachers Angry Over April Salary Delay

Local Government (LG) workers and primary school teachers across Taraba State have expressed deep frustration over the delay in the payment of their April salaries, even as the month of May draws to a close.

As of May 19, 2025, many workers reported that they have yet to receive their April earnings, sparking concerns and protests in several parts of the state. 

The affected workers are appealing to the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas to urgently address the situation, citing rising economic hardship and psychological distress.

The matter took a tragic turn over the weekend when Mallam Nasir, the Assistant Headmaster of Mayogwai Primary School in Jalingo, slumped and died on Sunday night, reportedly due to a heart attack. Eyewitnesses and colleagues believe the financial pressure from the unpaid salary may have contributed to his untimely death.

"I got the report while I was in church," said a source close to the family. "He was a hardworking teacher who had been complaining about the hardship. It's heartbreaking."

The passing of Mallam Nasir has cast a spotlight on the worsening conditions of public sector workers in the state. Teachers and LG employees say this is not an isolated incident but a result of prolonged government neglect and poor welfare policies.

"The government must understand that we are not asking for favors. We are asking to be paid for the work we have done," said a primary school teacher in Jalingo, who asked not to be named for fear of victimization.

Although Taraba Truth and Facts Newspaper cannot verify reasons for the delay, several government sources said the workers would receive their salary before the end of the week. 

While Governor Kefas has implemented notable policies such as a 50% reduction in tertiary tuition fees, critics argue that such measures are cosmetic if teachers and frontline workers are left unpaid.

"This administration must match rhetoric with responsibility," said a civil society representative in Jalingo. "You cannot claim to prioritize education while starving educators."