Taraba Workers Demand Sack of Finance Commissioner as Strike Paralyzes State

Taraba Workers Demand Sack of Finance Commissioner as Strike Paralyzes State

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Taraba State has been brought to a near standstill following the commencement of a state-wide strike by workers under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The industrial action, which began at midnight on August 11, 2025, has effectively shut down government offices, educational institutions, and banking activities across the state, further escalating tensions between the workers and the state government.

At the centre of the crisis is the demand for the immediate removal of the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Sarah Enoch Adi. Workers and labour leaders accuse her of a lack of commitment and a lukewarm attitude towards the implementation of crucial welfare initiatives, including the biometric exercise aimed at verifying employees’ records. This perceived negligence has fuelled the strike, which has paralyzed the operations of ministries, departments, and agencies throughout Taraba.

During a monitoring visit to the Taraba State Secretariat in Jalingo, government offices were observed to be locked with no sign of normal activity. Labour leaders were present at various points, preventing civil servants from accessing their workplaces, thereby enforcing the strike. The strike has also spread to other sectors, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter at Taraba State University (TSU) joining in solidarity, worsening the shutdown of public services and impacting education delivery.

The state chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Sule Albasu, confirmed the collective decision by both TUC and NLC members across all sixteen local government areas, including the two Special Development Areas, to sustain the strike until their grievances are adequately addressed. Albasu stated, “We have directed our members across the state to ensure that public offices remain closed. This is a collective effort, and we are firm in our resolve.”

Similarly, the NLC chairman, Peter Jediel, expressed unwavering commitment to enforcing the strike until national labour leaders reach a conclusive agreement with the federal government that would also positively impact state workers. The solidarity shown by labour unions at the national and state levels underscores the seriousness of the demands.

Apart from government offices, banking institutions across Taraba were reportedly sealed off by labour officials to prevent any financial transactions that might undermine the strike’s effectiveness. This action has heightened the economic impact on the state, affecting businesses and residents alike.

The workers’ demands centre primarily on improved welfare conditions, regularisation of employment statuses, prompt payment of salaries and allowances, and specifically the dismissal of the Finance Commissioner, whom they hold responsible for the crisis. The unions argue that Mrs. Adi’s handling of financial matters and the biometric verification process has contributed significantly to the stalemate.

Governor Agbu Kefas has yet to publicly comment on the workers’ demands or the ongoing strike. However, the prolonged industrial action threatens to cripple essential public services and may lead to heightened social tensions if not resolved swiftly.

The strike in Taraba mirrors similar unrest in other Nigerian states where workers’ grievances over welfare, payment irregularities, and administrative inefficiencies have led to collective labour actions. The situation calls for urgent dialogue between the state government, labour unions, and relevant stakeholders to restore normalcy and safeguard public interest.

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