The Gombe State government has revealed the identification of 523 ghost workers through the implementation of a biometric verification register for civil servants. 

Governor Inuwa Yahaya made this announcement during the induction of newly recruited biometric supervisors, stating that the three-year-long biometric verification process exposed non-existent workers and saved the state approximately N1.5 billion.

Represented by his Deputy, Manassah Jatau, Governor Yahaya highlighted the deployment of 4,000 biometric machines for attendance registration, enabling the detection of ghost workers. 

“So far this novel initiative has saved the government a monthly sum of N23,758,858 since 2021,”he said

Acknowledging the recognition and support received from international organizations like the World Bank and development partners such as the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization, Governor Yahaya emphasized the significance of the biometric verification in curbing corruption and ensuring efficient payroll management.

The Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Magaji, mentioned that the state gained four million dollars through its fiscal transparency, accountability, and sustainability (SFTAS) program. These funds, saved from the identification of ghost workers, are redirected to settle promotion arrears and outstanding gratuities.

Magaji clarified that the government’s goal is not to reduce funds but to enhance the efficiency of the payroll system. Gombe State is now recognized as one of the best states in terms of payroll management, with around 305 youths recruited as part of the gains from financial management reforms.

Addressing the newly recruited biometric supervisors, Magaji emphasized the importance of professionalism, warning against indolence and corrupt practices. 

He also stated that any supervisor engaged in such activities would face replacement, ensuring the continued success of the payroll management reforms.