Taraba Labour Unions Declare Strike Over Biometric Salary System Glitch
Civil servants in Taraba State face an imminent disruption as labour unions, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have announced a statewide strike. Commencing Monday, August 11, the industrial action stems directly from persistent irregularities within the state’s biometric data capture system, which has severely impacted the prompt payment of salaries to civil service employees across Taraba.
This pivotal decision to embark on a strike was formalized during a Joint State Administrative Council meeting of the NLC and TUC held on August 6. A joint statement released by the Taraba divisions of both unions clarified that the action is a direct consequence of unresolved grievances. Peter Jediel, the NLC Chairman for Taraba State, alongside Sule Abasu, his counterpart from the TUC, vocally expressed profound dissatisfaction. Their concerns primarily target alleged illicit operations carried out by the Biometric Data Capture Committee. Furthermore, the unions are protesting the Taraba State government’s perceived inertia and failure to adequately address previous complaints raised by these influential pressure groups. The ongoing glitches in the biometric system, initially introduced to enhance payroll efficiency and transparency, have instead led to delays and frustrations, undermining the welfare of thousands of civil servants who rely on timely remuneration for their livelihoods. This situation highlights critical challenges in implementing technology-driven solutions for public service administration within the African context, where initial promises of streamlined operations can quickly devolve into significant labour disputes if not managed effectively.
With the strike set to begin, the Taraba State public sector braces for potential paralysis. The unified stance of the NLC and TUC underscores the gravity of the salary payment crisis and their determination to compel the state government to swiftly resolve the biometric system’s operational flaws. The resolution of this industrial action hinges on the government’s willingness to engage with the unions and implement concrete solutions to ensure civil servants receive their rightful wages without further delay, averting a prolonged disruption to essential state services.
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