Government has dismissed 3,488 workers from local councils and education authorities after a biometric screening exposed fake credentials, ghost workers, and payroll fraud. Governor Dikko Radda says the move will save ₦453.3m monthly and strengthen grassroots development.
The Katsina State Government has dismissed 3,488 workers across 34 Local Government Councils and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) after a biometric screening exercise exposed widespread payroll fraud.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda received the committee’s report on Wednesday during the State Executive Council meeting, where he confirmed that the verification covered 50,172 staff. Out of this number, 46,380 were cleared, while the rest were found with fake credentials, ghost postings, absenteeism, or failed to appear for screening.
According to the report, the exercise also created the first unified digital database of all LGC and LEA staff in the state, projecting monthly savings of ₦453.3 million if fully implemented.
The 10-member committee uncovered falsified birth certificates, underage employment, illegal promotions, and cases where staff positions were sublet to others. It also recovered ₦4.6 million from officers collecting double salaries or drawing pay while on leave of absence.
Committee chairman Abdullahi A. Gagare said the probe exposed a serious breach of trust at Zango LEA, where the Education Secretary allegedly connived with others to insert 24 ghost workers.
Governor Radda said the reforms were necessary despite warnings that they could hurt his political standing.
“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,” he said.
Radda revealed that local governments already have about ₦500 million saved, which could rise to ₦5.7 billion with the implementation of the 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. Reducing this burden will free up more funds to support grassroots development,” he added.
The governor has directed that the findings be turned into a White Paper for full implementation.
The screening committee was made up of four retired Permanent Secretaries, six Directors, 16 co-opted members, and security personnel