The Katsina State Government has dismissed 3,488 workers from 34 local government councils and local education authorities after uncovering widespread payroll fraud during a biometric screening exercise.

Naijaonpoint reports that out of 50,172 staff screened, 46,380 were verified, while the rest were found to have presented fake credentials, failed to appear, or engaged in fraudulent practices.

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

Radda stated that the committee also recovered ₦4.6 million from individuals who received double salaries or drew pay while on leave of absence.

According to the Governor, the exercise had created the first unified digital database of all LGC and LEA staff in Katsina’s history, stressing that the state could save up to ₦453.3 million monthly and ₦5.7 billion annually if the recommendations were fully implemented.

Radda emphasised that a White Paper would be produced for full implementation of the findings.

He added, “Despite high revenue allocations, many councils still struggle to pay salaries because of fraudulent wage bills. This reform is necessary to free funds for grassroots development.”

Chairman of the committee, Abdullahi A. Gagare, disclosed 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.”

A 10-member committee conducted the screening, comprising retired permanent secretaries, directors, and security personnel, supported by 16 co-opted members.