The Jigawa State Government has identified 6,348 ghost workers during a staff verification exercise, resulting in substantial financial savings for the state.
The discovery was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Hon. Sagir Musa, during a press briefing following a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Umar Namadi.
Financial Impact
The commissioner revealed that the verification exercise has saved the state ₦314.6 million monthly, amounting to an annual savings of ₦3.78 billion.
“This achievement underscores the government’s commitment to sanitizing the payroll system and ensuring resources are allocated appropriately,” Musa stated.
Verification Measures
The ghost workers were detected as part of a broader effort to enroll state employees into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Management System (IPPMS). The exercise aimed to eliminate fraudulent practices while ensuring timely payment of salaries and other entitlements.
To sustain the reforms, the State Executive Council approved the establishment of a Continuous Capture Centre (CCC) at the Office of the Head of Civil Service to complete the biometric data capture and validation exercise.
Edo State Dissolves Public Service Commissions
In a related development, the Edo State Government has announced the immediate dissolution of all public service commissions within the state.
The decision was disclosed on Tuesday by Umar Ikhilor, the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG).
Affected Commissions
Key bodies affected include:
- Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (ESIEC)
- House of Assembly Service Commission
- Civil Service Commission
- Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission
- Edo State Forestry Commission
- Edo State Audit Service Commission
- Judicial Service Commission
Handover Instructions
The SSG directed that chairpersons and members of the dissolved commissions must hand over government properties in their possession to the most senior public officers within their respective agencies.
The action reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s intention to reorganize the state’s public service for greater efficiency and accountability.
