Zamfara Uncovers 2,363 Ghost Workers, Minors on Payroll in Shocking Audit

 

The Zamfara State Government has uncovered 2,363 ghost workers following a comprehensive verification exercise of civil and public servants in the state.

Governor Dauda Lawal had, in August 2024, constituted a committee headed by the state Head of Service to conduct the verification exercise to sanitize the state’s payroll system.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, revealed that the process exposed shocking irregularities, including the employment of 220 minors receiving salaries as civil servants.

According to the statement, the verification exercise was part of the government’s commitment to implementing the new N70,000 minimum wage while ensuring accountability and efficiency in public service.

Idris stated, “The committee’s final report submitted to Governor Dauda Lawal confirmed that 27,109 permanent workers were successfully verified. However, the audit revealed serious irregularities, including:

2,363 ghost workers, drawing a total of N193,642,097.19 monthly.

1,082 civil servants due for retirement, yet still receiving N80,542,298.26 per month.

395 contract staff and 261 employees not on the nominal roll.

213 workers currently on study leave and 67 others on secondment.

220 minors illegally employed, with 75 of them having falsified first appointment dates to evade detection.

He added that the committee recommended the suspension of 207 workers who failed verification, noting that they collectively receive N16,370,645.90 monthly.

The report further uncovered 12 individuals drawing salaries despite not being in the government’s database, amounting to N726,594 per month.

Idris emphasised that the exercise is an ongoing initiative to ensure transparency and accountability in Zamfara State’s civil service, especially in preparation for the implementation of the new minimum wage set to commence in March 2025.