Following the biometric screening exercise introduced, the Katsina government has announced the uncovering of 3,488 ghost workers from the payroll of the 34 LG councils and local education authorities (LEAs).
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, who announced the discovery while receiving the report of the verification exercise, commended the committee for its “credible work” despite political pressures and warnings from critics.
The Governor revealed that over half a billion naira has so far been saved for Local Government Areas from the exercise and directed that the report be converted into a white paper for full implementation.
According to him, every recommendation must be executed with “honesty and fairness”.
“Many people warned me that the committee’s work could damage my politics and cost me elections. But I am not worried, because the situation in Katsina requires reforms and doing the right thing.
“Reducing this burden will free up more funds for grassroots development,” he pointed out.
Presenting the report earlier, the chairman of the committee, Abdullahi Gagare, disclosed that 50,172 workers were screened with 46,380 of them verified.
Gagare stated that the remaining 3,488 were removed for presenting fake credentials, absconding from duty, engaging in fraud, or refusing to appear before the panel.
According to him, while the state could save N453.3 million monthly if the recommendations are fully implemented, about N4.6 million was recovered from some officers drawing double salaries from state and federal agencies, in addition to six others that continued to earn salaries while on leave of absence.
An education secretary was also indicted for allegedly creating 24 ghost workers in collaboration with others.
