Katsina Exposes 3,488 Ghost workers, massive payroll fraud uncovered

By Zubairu Idris

The Katsina State Government has exposed a staggering payroll scandal, uncovering 3,488 ghost workers across the 34 Local Government Councils (LGCs) and Local Education Authorities (LEAs), following a sweeping biometric verification exercise.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, while receiving the committee’s report on Thursday, declared that the findings marked a turning point in his administration’s fight against corruption, despite warnings from political associates that the probe could “damage his politics.”

“I am not worried about politics. The system in Katsina is rotten and must be reformed. I am determined to do what is right for the people,” the governor said.

Radda disclosed that the crackdown had already saved over half a billion naira for the local governments, with more expected as the recommendations are fully implemented.

He stressed that the exercise was designed to free the state “from the grip of a few” and redirect funds to real development at the grassroots.

The governor ordered the immediate conversion of the report into a White Paper, directing full and transparent implementation of its recommendations.

Fraud Uncovered on a Massive Scale

Chairman of the verification committee, Alhaji Abdullahi Gagare, revealed that of 50,172 workers screened, 46,380 were verified, while 3,488 were exposed as fraudulent entries.

The disqualified workers were found guilty of presenting fake credentials, falsifying age, engaging in absenteeism, subletting jobs, collecting double salaries, or refusing to appear before the committee.

According to Gagare, full implementation of the report would save the state N453.3 million monthly, money that has long been lost to fraud and inefficiency.

The probe also recovered N4.6 million from officers who had been drawing salaries from both state and federal payrolls, while six others were caught receiving salaries while officially on leave.

Perhaps most shocking was the case of an Education Secretary in one of the LEAs, who, in collaboration with staff, created 24 ghost workers and attempted to pass them through the screening.

Gagare described the act as a “serious breach of trust and abuse of office,” urging the government to ensure swift disciplinary and legal action.

A Clear Message

Governor Radda insisted his government would not back down. “This is how we save money to work for the people, not for a corrupt few,” he said. (NAN)