The Katsina State Government has dismissed 3,488 workers across 34 local government councils and local education authorities following a biometric verification exercise that uncovered widespread payroll fraud.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced the action on Wednesday while receiving the committee’s report during a State Executive Council meeting. He revealed that out of 50,172 staff screened, 46,380 were verified, while thousands were flagged for presenting fake credentials, failing to appear, or engaging in fraudulent practices such as ghost workers and illegal promotions.
Committee chairman Abdullahi A. Gagare said N4.6 million was recovered from individuals who were drawing double salaries or receiving pay while on leave of absence. He also disclosed that the Education Secretary of Zango LEA was implicated in adding 24 ghost workers to the payroll, describing the case as a serious breach of trust.
Governor Radda noted that the state now has its first unified digital database of local government and education staff. He added that fully implementing the committee’s recommendations could save the state N453.3 million monthly and about N5.7 billion annually, freeing funds for grassroots development. A White Paper is expected to guide the next phase of implementation.
