By Abdulmumin Imam

Governor Agbu Kefas has reportedly distanced himself from claims that the salaries of Taraba State street sweepers were reduced from N15,000 to N10,000. The governor also reportedly directed an immediate halt to a controversial N500 deduction from workers' wages.

The development comes amid broader discussions on the future of the social intervention programme, including proposals to expand participation to thousands of additional beneficiaries.

The Taraba State Government is reviewing the future of its street sweepers programme following concerns over workers' welfare and reports of salary deductions.

Governor Agbu Kefas reportedly stated that he never authorized any reduction in the salaries of street sweepers from N15,000 to N10,000. He also directed that the reported N500 deduction from workers' pay be stopped immediately.

The programme, which serves as a social support initiative for vulnerable residents, has become the subject of public debate over whether available resources should be used to improve earnings for existing beneficiaries or expand participation to reach more unemployed and low-income residents.

According to the information available, government is considering increasing the number of beneficiaries by between 5,000 and 10,000 additional participants.

The debate highlights broader concerns about poverty, unemployment, inflation, and the effectiveness of social protection programmes in Nigeria.

Supporters of wage increases argue that the current N15,000 monthly payment may no longer adequately meet basic living expenses due to rising costs of food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities.

Others contend that expanding the programme could spread economic opportunities across more households, potentially reducing vulnerability among a larger segment of the population.

The discussion ultimately presents policymakers with a difficult balancing act between improving the welfare of current beneficiaries and extending support to a greater number of residents.