The Zamfara State Government has identified 2,363 ghost workers following a comprehensive verification exercise of civil and public servants, resulting in monthly savings of N200 million.
Governor Dauda Lawal initiated the audit in August 2024, mandating a high-level committee led by the state’s Head of Service to review the government payroll. The committee, which included key officials such as the Commissioner of Finance, the Accountant-General, the Auditor-General, the Statistician-General, and the Chairman of the labour union, was tasked with verifying and integrating the state’s nominal and payroll systems to enhance efficiency and accountability.
READ MORE: 49 years after assassination, MMF urges Nigerians to rededicate to Murtala’s values
A statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, confirmed that the verification exposed widespread irregularities, including 220 minors fraudulently listed as civil servants and receiving monthly salaries.
According to the final report submitted to Governor Lawal, 27,109 permanent workers were verified and cleared. However, the audit identified 2,363 ghost workers who were collectively drawing N193.6 million in monthly salaries. The committee also found that 1,082 civil servants overdue for retirement were still receiving salaries totalling N80.5 million per month.
The report further revealed that 395 contract staff, 261 individuals not on the nominal roll, 213 employees on study leave, and 67 improperly placed on secondment were also flagged. Additionally, it was discovered that 75 employees had first appointment dates that did not align with official records, all of whom were minors at the time of employment.
READ MORE: National Assembly passes ₦54.99tr 2025 budget estimate
In response, the verification committee recommended the suspension of 207 workers who failed to meet clearance requirements, collectively receiving N16.3 million in monthly wages. The audit also uncovered 12 individuals on the payroll who were not listed in the state’s database but were receiving a combined salary of N726,594 per month.
The statement reiterated that these verification exercises are part of an ongoing effort to strengthen transparency and accountability in Zamfara’s civil service, particularly as the government prepares to implement the N70,000 minimum wage in March this year.
Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating payroll fraud and ensuring that only legitimate employees receive government salaries, a move aimed at improving service delivery and financial sustainability across the state.
