Katsina govt uncovers 3,488 ghost workers

The Katsina State Government has uncovered 3,488 ghost workers from the payroll of the 34 Local Government Councils and the Local Education Authorities (LEAs), following a biometric screening.

Speaking while receiving the report in Katsina on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Governor Dikko Radda commended the committee for delivering credible results in spite of political pressures and warnings from critics.

Radda said: “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 am not worried, because the situation in Katsina required reforming the system and doing the right thing.”

Radda disclosed that local governments currently have over half a billion naira saved as a result of the committee’s work.

The governor added: “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.

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“This is how we can have money to work for the general people in our local government areas.”

He directed that the report should become a “White Paper” for full implementation, stressing that every recommendation must be carried out with honesty and fairness.

The Chairman of the Committee, Abdullahi Gagare, revealed that out of 50,172 staff screened, 46,380 were verified.

Gagare added that the remaining 3,488 were removed for presenting fake credentials, absconding from duty, engaging in fraud, or refusing to appear before the committee.

According to him, the committee is projecting monthly savings of N453.3 million if the recommendations are fully implemented.

“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,” he said.

Gagare further revealed that the committee recovered N4.6 million from some officers collecting double salaries from state and federal agencies, and six others who continued collecting salaries while on leave of absence.

Gagare unveiled a shocking revelation, where the committee condemned the attitude of an Education Secretary in one of the LEAs who, with collaborators, created 24 ghost workers and presented them for the screening.

The chairman described the act as a serious breach of trust and abuse of office.

The Star