The Government of Katsina State has announced the removal of 3,488 from its payroll as a result of
Biometric Screening by a committee lead by Abdullahi A. Gagare.
The committee reported that out of 50,172 staff screened, 46,380 were successfully verified while 3,488 were removed for presenting fake credentials, absconding from duty, engaging in fraud, or refusing to appear before the Committee
While trceiving the report of the committee on Wednesday, the
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda praised the Committee for delivering credible results despite political pressures and warnings from critics.
“We have been in the system for a long time, and we know these things exist. Many people complained and even warned me that the Committee’s work could damage my politics and cost me elections. But I was not worried, because the situation in Katsina required reforming the system and doing the right thing,” the Governor stated.
He directed that the report should become a White Paper for full implementation, emphasizing that every recommendation must be carried out with honesty and fairness.
Committee Chairman Abdullahi A. Gagare revealed that out of 50,172 staff screened, 46,380 were successfully verified while 3,488 were removed for presenting fake credentials, absconding from duty, engaging in fraud, or refusing to appear before the Committee.
The exercise uncovered serious irregularities including falsification of birth dates, fake certificates, underage employment, ghost workers, absenteeism, illegal promotions, and cases where staff positions were sublet to others.
The Committee recovered ₦4.6 million from officers drawing double salaries from state and federal agencies and six others who continued collecting salaries while on leave of absence.
In the most shocking revelation, the Committee condemned the Education Secretary of Zango LEA who, with collaborators, created 24 ghost workers and presented them for screening – described as a serious breach of trust and abuse of office.
Governor Radda disclosed that local governments currently have about half a billion naira saved, which will reach ₦5.7 billion with the Committee’s findings.
“Despite high revenue allocations, many local governments in Katsina still struggle to pay salaries. Councils such as Kafur, Malumfashi, and Daura carry very heavy wage bills, mostly due to workers who are not genuine,” he explained.
The Governor emphasized that reducing this burden will free up more funds to support grassroots development.
“I did this to save the state from the grip of a few. This is how we can have money to work for the general people in our local governments,” Governor Radda concluded.
The screening exercise was conducted by a 10-member committee including four retired Permanent Secretaries and six Directors, supported by 16 co-opted members and security personnel.
The report was formally presented at the State Executive Council meeting where tol government officials and members of the Biometric Screening Committee were in attendance.
