Kano uncovers N28m in salaries paid to 247 ghost workers

The Kano state government has uncovered no fewer than 247 ghost workers placed on constant salaries under the local government payroll system.

Besides, the ghost civil servants whose names appear on the state’s payroll are either dead or retired from service.

A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Umar Ibrahim Faruq, stated that the fraudulent act was uncovered by the special committee established by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to review the payroll system.

Recall that the committee was inaugurated by the SSG following public outcry over illegal deductions of workers’ salaries and outright withholding of salaries of others.

The release signed by the Press Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mallam Musa Tanko Muhammad, the committee subsequently blocked the sum of ₦27,824,395.40 already earmarked to service the fraudulent account for March, 2025.

“In a prompt and effective response, and while further due diligence is being conducted to determine the extent of this apparent fraud and the perpetrators, the monies recovered will be returned to the Local Government Treasury.

“The Government remains resolute in its commitment to purging the payroll system of irregularities. Individuals found to be involved in this fraudulent activity will be identified and held fully accountable in accordance with the law,” Musa said.

According to the release, the committee, which was also entrusted to consider a possible return to Pay Parade, is set to commence its exercise in preparation for full implementation of its mandate.

“Consequently, the Committee printed the March 2025 payroll vouchers and requested all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAS) and Local Government Councils to study the Payrolls and make necessary observations as a prelude to a comprehensive Pay Parade scheduled to be flagged off on Monday, the 28th of April,” he concluded.