JUST IN: Katsina Govt Sacks 3,488 Workers After Biometric Screening

The Katsina State Government has terminated the appointments of 3,488 staff members across 34 local government councils and local education authorities after a biometric verification exercise exposed widespread payroll fraud.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, who received the committee’s report during the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, said the exercise uncovered ghost workers, falsified documents, absenteeism, and illegal promotions.

Out of 50,172 staff screened, 46,380 were cleared, while the rest were found guilty of presenting fake credentials, failing to appear for verification, or engaging in fraudulent practices.

The committee also recovered N4.6 million from individuals found to be collecting double salaries or receiving pay while on leave of absence.

Committee chairman, Abdullahi A. Gagare, revealed that the Education Secretary of Zango LEA was implicated in inserting 24 ghost workers into the payroll, describing it as a “serious breach of trust.”

Governor Radda noted that, for the first time, the state now has a unified digital database of all LGC and LEA staff. He added that Katsina could save up to N453.3 million monthly and N5.7 billion annually if the committee’s recommendations are fully implemented.

“Despite increased revenue allocations, many councils still struggle to pay salaries due to inflated wage bills. This reform is necessary to free resources for grassroots development,” the governor stressed, adding that a White Paper would be prepared for full implementation.

The screening was carried out by a 10-member committee comprising retired permanent secretaries, directors, and security personnel, with support from 16 co-opted members.

NAN