Taraba NLC and TUC to embark on strike due to glitch in biometric system for salaries

Labour unions in Taraba State are set to embark on a statewide strike starting from Monday, August 11, owing to irregularities in the biometric data capture system hindering the swift payment of civil servants’ salaries across the state.

The development, announced in a joint statement by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) division of Taraba state, explained that the move is an outcome of a resolution reached at the Joint State Administrative Council meeting held on August 6.

The Taraba State NLC Chairman, Peter Jediel, and TUC Chairman Sule Abasu, explained that the strike action is aimed at expressing their dissatisfaction against alleged illegal activities by the Biometric Data Capture Committee. The labour unions are also protesting the Taraba state government’s inaction in addressing earlier concerns raised by the pressure groups.

“Following the mandate of the Joint State Administrative Council of the NLC and TUC, the leadership is compelled to act decisively in collaboration with stakeholders to check the illegality perpetrated by the biometric data capture committee,” the statement read.

Reports noted that the announcement has received wide public acceptance across Taraba State, most especially among civil servants who have been expressing concerns about irregular salary payments and unresolved biometric verification issues in the past months.

In addition to the irregularities in biometric modifications, NLC and TUC accused the committee of engaging in practices such as unauthorised deductions and glitches in overall wage administration in Taraba State. This, according to the organised union, has negatively impacted civil servants. This was made worse by the state government’s refusal to address the issue or release a public statement despite various ultimatums and boycotts from the union.

As part of preparations, the organised labour has directed all affiliates to commence immediate mobilisation ahead of the planned statewide strike.

“Strike is hereby declared to commence from the early hours of Monday, August 11, 2025. Mobilisation commences immediately. All workers, civil society organisations, and the masses are hereby put on notice to stock their houses for all necessary provisions,” it added.

While the Taraba State unions didn’t state how long the strike will last, they have indicated their readiness to open room for dialogue and that any negotiation must begin with a clear commitment by the government to address the biometric-related grievances, administrative failures and lack of transparency in good faith.

Within the next couple of hours before the strike commences, observers have noted that the Taraba State government will make strategic moves to prevent the strike that poses a threat to a complete shutdown of business and economic activities in the state.

The situation further signals a trend of failure in digital adoption and raises questions about the readiness of government agencies to effectively implement new technological trends.

Also Read: Identity systems in Africa: comparing Nigeria, SA, Rwanda, Kenya and Cameroon.

Like Taraba state, governments are building efficiency with biometrics capturing

For the record, biometric capture for Nigerian civil servants before salary payment is primarily implemented to verify the identity of employees and prevent fraud, particularly the issue of “ghost workers” on the payroll. This process helps ensure that only genuine employees receive salaries, reducing financial losses for the government and improving the efficiency of payroll management.

The use of biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, has become a key component of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) deployed to eliminate ghost workers, who are fictitious employees on the payroll, and other fraudulent activities related to salary disbursement.

Notably, the implementation of biometric capture in Nigeria’s civil service is a response to past instances of payroll fraud and corruption. In 2014, the federal government uncovered 60,000 fraudulent names on the payroll, highlighting the need for robust identity verification mechanisms.

A 2022 report by BudgIT revealed that the Nigerian Police reported payroll fraud involving ‘ghost workers’ within the force, which amounted to over N14 billion in 2017 alone. The savings made by the federal government via payroll reforms, specifically, the IPPIS, have been in excess of N220 billion from when the reforms were initiated to 2015.

While the use of biometric verifications and Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) have helped state governments in ensuring effective governance, saving public funds going to ghost workers and uncovering those receiving double wages. Efforts must be made to ensure the quality of service delivery of this system.