Rhapsodi Affos Blog Reporter 

As Taraba State prepares for payroll screening starting Monday, hundreds of workers labeled as “ghost workers” remain in uncertainty. They do not know whether they have been cleared by the verification committee or if they should travel to Jalingo for the screening.

Despite government claims that 1,410 workers were cleared, no official list has been released, and salaries have not been paid. Workers say they are left with no way to confirm their status.


Confusion and Frustration

Affected staff across rural local governments including Sardauna, Kurmi, Gashaka, Takum, and Karim Lamido must travel 6 to 10 hours to reach Jalingo. Many worry about spending money on transport without knowing if their names are on the cleared list.

“How do we know if we have been cleared? Today is Friday. If I travel 8 hours and my name is not there, who will refund me?” - Teacher from Sardauna LGA

“No one has told us if we are among the 1,410 cleared. There is no official list anywhere.” Health worker, Kurmi LGA


Recall that governor Agbu Kefas had assured cleared workers that salaries would be paid immediately, while others would undergo screening next week. But without a published list, workers are unable to confirm whether they should attend the screening, causing anxiety and frustration across the state.

What Needs to Be Done

Workers and analysts urge the government to:

1. Publish the list of cleared workers immediately
2. Provide clear instructions on who should attend the screening
3. Resolve differences between the AG and Committee reports
4. Ensure prompt payment for verified workers

Until clarity is provided, hundreds of Taraba’s accused “ghost workers” remain unpaid, uninformed, and in limbo.