The Katsina State Government has dismissed 3,488 workers across its 34 Local Government Councils and Local Education Authorities following a biometric verification exercise that uncovered widespread fraud and irregularities.
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Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced the development on Wednesday after receiving the report of the Biometric Screening Committee during the State Executive Council meeting in Katsina.
According to the report, a total of 50,172 workers were screened, out of which 46,380 were confirmed as genuine staff. The remaining 3,488 were flagged for presenting fake documents, engaging in ghost postings, absenteeism, or refusing to appear before the committee.
The screening further revealed cases of falsified birth certificates, underage employment, illegal promotions, and instances where civil service positions were illegally sublet. Financial irregularities were also detected, with N4.6 million recovered from officers who either collected double salaries or continued receiving pay while on leave.
One of the most striking findings was the implication of the Education Secretary of Zango Local Education Authority, accused of inserting 24 ghost workers into the payroll.
Governor Radda directed that the committee’s findings be compiled into a White Paper for full implementation. He disclosed that the reform would save the state an estimated N453.3 million monthly and potentially N5.7 billion annually.
He explained that the move was necessary to reform the system, safeguard state resources from misuse, and channel more funds into grassroots development, even though some had warned the decision could have political consequences.
The governor added that the elimination of ghost workers and fraudulent practices would free up funds to support vital community projects and improve service delivery across the state.
