Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda
Katsina State Government has revealed that 3,488 ghost workers were discovered on the payrolls of the state’s 34 Local Government Councils and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) following a comprehensive biometric screening exercise.
Governor Dikko Radda, speaking at the official presentation of the committee’s findings on Thursday in Katsina, commended the screening team for maintaining integrity and delivering accurate results despite political interference and pressure.
> “We have been in the system for a long time, and we know these things exist,” Radda stated.
“Many people complained and even 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 required reforming the system and doing the right thing.”
The governor announced that as a result of the committee’s work, local governments have already saved over ₦500 million, which can now be redirected to vital grassroots projects.
> “Reducing this burden will free up more funds to support grassroots development,” he said.
“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 government areas.”
He instructed that the findings be converted into a White Paper for full implementation and directed that every recommendation be executed with fairness and transparency.
Committee Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Gagare, disclosed that out of 50,172 workers screened, only 46,380 were verified. The remaining 3,488 were flagged for issues such as absenteeism, fraudulent documents, refusal to appear, or being outright non-existent.
Gagare projected potential monthly savings of ₦453.3 million if the report’s recommendations are fully carried out.
> “The exercise uncovered serious irregularities, including falsified birth certificates, fake credentials, underage employees, absentee staff, ghost workers, and illegal promotions,” he said.
Additionally, the committee recovered ₦4.6 million from individuals drawing double salaries from both state and federal institutions, as well as others who continued to earn salaries despite being on official leave of absence.
One of the most alarming discoveries involved an Education Secretary, who, along with accomplices, allegedly created 24 ghost workers and submitted them for verification.
Gagare described the action as a “serious breach of trust and abuse of office,” stressing the need for strict accountability across the public sector.
