The Taraba State Government has denied allegations that it dismissed civil servants following a recent staff verification exercise.
Speaking during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Jalingo, the Head of Civil Service, Hamidu Ahmed Kara, said no worker had been sacked under the administration of Agbu Kefas.
Kara explained that the state government carried out a verification exercise in 2025 to authenticate workers’ identities, during which more than 3,100 workers were found to have documentation irregularities.
He noted that salaries of those affected were suspended pending proper verification and reintegration into the civil service system.
According to him, the measure does not amount to dismissal, adding that efforts are ongoing to resolve the issues. He assured that all cleared workers would receive their salaries once the process is completed.
Representing Governor Kefas, the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Kizito Bonzena, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, stating that no civil servant would be unjustly victimised.
However, the Taraba State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress urged the government to urgently address the outcome of the verification exercise and reinstate affected workers to the state payroll.
In a joint address, labour leaders also called for improved welfare packages to cushion the economic challenges faced by workers. They expressed concern over delays in resolving the status of the affected staff, noting that the situation has caused significant hardship.
The unions further demanded the implementation of outstanding promotions for civil servants, particularly local government workers and primary school teachers, which have remained pending since 2012 and 2006 respectively.
