Katsina flushes out 3,488 ghost workers, saves ₦453m monthly

The Katsina State Government has sacked 3,488 workers uncovered during a biometric verification of staff in the 34 Local Government Councils (LGCs) and Local Education Authorities (LEAs).

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, while receiving the committee’s report on Wednesday, said the exercise screened 50,172 workers. Of these, 46,380 were cleared, while the rest were found guilty of presenting fake certificates, engaging in ghost postings, absenteeism or refusing to appear before the panel.

The committee’s findings, presented at the State Executive Council meeting, exposed falsified birth certificates, underage employment, illegal promotions, and cases where workers rented out their positions to others.

A total of ₦4.6 million was recovered from officers who had drawn double salaries or collected pay while on leave.

The Education Secretary of Zango LEA was also indicted for allegedly inserting 24 ghost workers into the system, an act the committee chairman, Abdullahi A. Gagare, described as “a serious breach of trust.”

Radda noted that despite warnings that the probe could harm his political fortunes, he was determined to sanitise the system.

He said:

“We know these things exist, and many people complained that the Committee’s work could cost me elections. But I am not worried. Katsina needed this reform. This is how we can free our local governments from the grip of a few and redirect funds to grassroots development.”

The governor disclosed that while the councils currently have about ₦500 million saved, the figure will rise to ₦5.7 billion if the recommendations are fully implemented.

He directed that the report be converted into a White Paper for enforcement, adding that monthly savings of about ₦453.3 million are expected.

The 10-member committee comprised four retired Permanent Secretaries and six Directors, supported by 16 co-opted members and security agencies.