Katsina uncovers 3,488 ghost workers, recovers N4.6m from payroll fraud

The Katsina government says it has uncovered 3,488 ghost workers from the payroll of the 34 LG councils and local education authorities (LEAs) after a biometric screening exercise.

NAN reports that Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina, announced the discovery on while receiving the report of the verification exercise.

Radda commended the committee set up for the task for its “credible work” despite political pressures and warnings from critics.

The governor said over half a billion naira has so far been saved for LGs as a result of the exercise.

“We have been in the system for a long time, and we know these things exist,” Radda said.

“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. I did this to save the state from the grip of a few and ensure we have money to work for the general people in our local government areas.”

Radda directed that the report be converted into a white paper for full implementation, noting that every recommendation must be executed with “honesty and fairness”.

Abdullahi Gagare, chairman of the committee, said 50,172 workers were screened, noting that 46,380 of them were verified.

Gagare noted that the remaining 3,488 were removed for presenting fake credentials, absconding from duty, engaging in fraud, or refusing to appear before the panel.

He said the state could save N453.3 million monthly if the recommendations are fully implemented.

“The exercise uncovered falsification of birth dates, fake certificates, underage employment, ghost workers, absenteeism, illegal promotions, and cases where staff positions were sublet to others,” he said.

He added that N4.6 million was recovered from some officers drawing double salaries from state and federal agencies, while six others continued to earn salaries while on leave of absence.

The committee also indicted an education secretary for allegedly creating 24 ghost workers in collaboration with others.

Gagare described the action as “a grave breach of trust and abuse of office”.