The Jigawa State Government has discovered about 7,000 ghost workers during a verification exercise carried out across ministries, departments, and agencies.
This was revealed by the Commissioner for Finance, Hannatu Sabo, on Wednesday in Dutse while speaking with journalists to mark Governor Umar Namadi’s two years in office.
Sabo said the workers were removed from the payroll after they failed to appear for the verification.
“The fake employees were removed from the payroll as they failed to report for the verification exercise,” she said.
She added that the move was part of the government’s plan to stop fraud and ensure transparency in public service.
“The Jigawa State Government’s efforts to eliminate ghost workers and streamline its workforce demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability,” she explained.
Sabo also said that the exercise made it possible for the state to employ new workers through the J-Health, J-Teach, and J-Agro programmes.
She said Jigawa remains one of the states paying the full new salary structure, showing its commitment to workers’ welfare.
“We are paying 100 per cent of the new salary structure, making us one of the highest-paying states in the country,” she said.
Sabo also announced that the state now receives more money from the Federal Government, which will help improve development in different areas.
“We have received additional funds from the Federal Government through the monthly allocation to the state and the local government councils, which will go a long way in supporting our development projects,” she stated.
She further said the government has been paying salaries early, following the governor’s directive.
“We are paying salaries before the 25th of each month to employees, as directed by the governor,” she said.
Speaking on investments, the commissioner noted that the state had bought Khadija University in Majia, a private institution, to improve access to quality education. She also revealed that Jigawa had purchased shares in the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
“The purchase of Khadija University and the acquisition of shares in KEDCO are expected to boost the state’s revenue and improve the quality of education and electricity supply,” she said.
Sabo added that the government was also supporting microfinance banks in some local government areas, with plans to open new branches in places without banks.
“The governor has ordered the opening of microfinance bank branches in the remaining local governments that do not have banks,” she added.
