Kogi State Government has taken a firm stance by halting the salaries of 231 employees within the State Civil Service. This bold move, as revealed by the State Head of Service, Mrs. Hannah Odiyo, was due to the failure of the affected individuals to adhere to the government’s directive to update their records.

During the launch of the issuance of State Identity Cards for workers in Lokoja, Mrs. Odiyo underscored the significance of authenticating updated staff records. She emphasized the necessity for accurate data to facilitate effective governmental planning, particularly during a transition period.

Mrs. Odiyo disclosed that the salaries of the 231 civil servants in question have been suspended since November 2023, as a result of their non-compliance with the record update process. Expressing her concern, she posed critical questions, “Where are they? Who are they? Are they ghosts?” These questions lay bare the gravity of the situation and underscore the need for accountability.

The Head of Service elucidated that the initial Bio Data Form was dispatched to all Ministries, Department, and Agencies (MDAs) in May 2022 for completion by the civil servants. However, despite the government’s efforts to ensure accurate records, these 231 individuals failed to participate in the exercise, leading to the drastic measure of salary suspension.

In a welcome address, Mrs. Shuaib Memunat Dede, the Permanent Secretary of the Research Evaluation and Policy Analysis/Certificate Verification Department (REPA), lauded the Head of Civil Service for her proactive approach in driving the successful execution of the project.

The State’s unwavering decision to halt the salaries of non-compliant workers serves as a poignant reminder of the government’s commitment to upholding accountability and transparency within the Civil Service. This bold move underscores the vital importance of adherence to governmental directives and the imperative need for accurate and updated records.