The Katsina State Government has uncovered 3,488 ghost workers on the payrolls of its 34 Local Government Councils and Local Education Authorities after a comprehensive biometric screening exercise. The findings were presented to Governor Dikko Radda by a committee tasked with investigating the matter. Governor Radda praised the committee for its diligence and for delivering credible results despite political pressure and warnings from critics. He stressed that the situation in Katsina required systemic reform and affirmed his commitment to doing what is right, even if it entails difficult decisions.
The biometric screening covered 50,172 staff members, of whom 46,380 were successfully verified. The remaining 3,488 were removed from the payroll because of irregularities such as fake credentials, absenteeism, fraudulent activities, or refusal to appear before the committee. The exercise revealed serious violations, including falsified birth dates, counterfeit certificates, under‑age employment, illegal promotions, sub‑letting of positions, and widespread absenteeism.
Chairman of the committee, Abdullahi Gagare, projected that full implementation of the recommendations could save N453.3 million per month. The committee also recovered N4.6 million from officers who were drawing double salaries from state and federal agencies, and identified six individuals who continued to receive salaries while on leave. A particularly egregious case involved an Education Secretary in one Local Education Authority, who, together with collaborators, created 24 ghost workers and submitted them for screening. The chairman condemned this act as a serious breach of trust and abuse of office.
Governor Radda directed that the committee’s report be implemented in full, emphasizing the need for honesty and fairness in carrying out the recommendations. The removal of ghost workers is expected to free up substantial funds for grassroots development, ultimately benefiting the people of Katsina State.
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