Katsina State Government Uncovers Thousands of Ghost Workers
The Katsina State Government has discovered 3,488 ghost workers on the payroll of its 34 Local Government Councils and Local Education Authorities following a thorough biometric screening exercise. This revelation comes after a committee tasked with investigating the matter presented its findings to Governor Dikko Radda.
Governor Radda commended the committee for its diligence in delivering credible results despite facing political pressures and warnings from critics. He emphasized that the situation in Katsina necessitated reforming the system, and he is committed to doing what is right, even if it means making difficult decisions. The governor noted that the local governments have already saved over half a billion Naira as a result of the committee’s work, which will be utilized to support grassroots development.
The biometric screening exercise involved 50,172 staff members, out of which 46,380 were successfully verified. The remaining 3,488 were removed from the payroll due to various irregularities, including presenting fake credentials, absconding from duty, engaging in fraudulent activities, or refusing to appear before the committee. The chairman of the committee, Abdullahi Gagare, projected monthly savings of N453.3 million if the recommendations are fully implemented.
The exercise uncovered serious irregularities, including falsification of birth dates, fake certificates, underage employment, ghost workers, absenteeism, illegal promotions, and cases where staff positions were sublet to others. The committee also recovered N4.6 million from some officers who were collecting double salaries from state and federal agencies, and six others who continued collecting salaries while on leave of absence.
A notable case of abuse of office was uncovered, where an Education Secretary in one of the Local Education Authorities, along with collaborators, created 24 ghost workers and presented them for the screening. The chairman of the committee condemned this act, describing it as a serious breach of trust and abuse of office.
Governor Radda directed that the committee’s report should be implemented in full, emphasizing the need for honesty and fairness in carrying out the recommendations. The removal of ghost workers from the payroll is expected to free up more funds to support development at the local level, ultimately benefiting the people of Katsina State.
