Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has received the report of the Biometric Screening Committee on staff of the 34 Local Government Councils (LGCs) and Local Education Authorities (LEAs), projecting monthly savings of about ₦453.3 million if its recommendations are fully implemented.
The screening, which covered 50,172 workers, produced the first unified digital database of LGC and LEA staff in the state’s history. Out of the total screened, 46,380 staff were successfully verified, while 3,488 were removed for presenting fake credentials, absenteeism, fraud, or refusal to appear before the committee.
Presenting the report during the State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Committee Chairman Abdullahi A. Gagare revealed that the exercise uncovered widespread irregularities including falsification of birth dates, fake certificates, underage employment, ghost workers, absenteeism, illegal promotions, and cases of staff subletting positions.
The committee also recovered ₦4.6 million from officers found to be drawing double salaries from state and federal agencies, as well as six individuals who continued to receive salaries while on leave of absence. One of the most serious cases, according to the report, involved the Education Secretary of Zango LEA who, alongside collaborators, allegedly created 24 ghost workers for screening.
Governor Radda commended the 10-member committee, which included four retired Permanent Secretaries and six Directors, for delivering a credible report despite political pressures.
“We have been in the system for a long time, and we know these things exist. Many people warned me this could damage my politics, but I was not worried. Katsina requires reform, and we must do the right thing,” the governor said.
He directed that the report be converted into a White Paper for full implementation, stressing that all recommendations must be executed with fairness and transparency.
Governor Radda disclosed that about half a billion naira has already been saved in local government accounts and projected that total savings could reach ₦5.7 billion following the implementation of the committee’s findings.
“Despite high allocations, many councils like Kafur, Malumfashi, and Daura still struggle to pay salaries due to bloated wage bills from unqualified workers. Reducing this burden will free up funds for grassroots development,” he explained.
The governor said the initiative was aimed at rescuing local governments from the grip of a few individuals and redirecting resources to serve the wider population.
The report was formally presented at the council meeting attended by top government officials, members of the screening committee, and security representatives.
