Bauchi Approves Religious Leaders’ Stipends, Uncovers 3,000 Ghost Workers

Bauchi Approves Religious Leaders’ Stipends, Uncovers 3,000 Ghost Workers

The Bauchi State Economic Council, presided over by Governor Bala Mohammed, has officially approved the payment of monthly stipends to Imams and Pastors across the state.

This decision was reached during a high-level meeting involving key stakeholders from the state’s financial and revenue sectors.

According to the State’s Head of Civil Service, Barr. Mohammed Sani Umar, the policy will apply to Imams of various Juma’at Mosques and Christian clerics of different denominations. The initiative aims to support religious leaders regardless of their specific sects or affiliations.

Addressing the next steps for the program, the Head of Service stated, “The final step is to work out the economic and financial implications for the effective implementation of this policy.” This phase will ensure the sustainability of the payments.

In addition to the stipends for religious leaders, the council announced the commencement of salary payments for newly appointed Emirs and District Heads. The government confirmed that adequate cash flow provisions have been made to support these traditional institutions.

The meeting also highlighted significant progress in the state’s salary administration.

Through a partnership with a consulting firm, Onyx Investment Advisory Limited, the government conducted an extensive review of its payroll system to improve transparency.

This review led to the discovery of over 3,000 ghost workers who were illegally drawing salaries from the state’s coffers.

By identifying and removing these fraudulent entries, the state government has successfully saved more than N4.16 billion.

The Governor’s Chief Economic Adviser, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Haruna, noted that the state government officially took over the salary payment process from the consulting firm in August 2024.

This transition was part of a broader effort to streamline civil service operations.

Since the conclusion of the verification exercise, the government reports that the payroll system has stabilized. Officials emphasized that the previous complaints surrounding salary disbursements have been resolved, ensuring a more efficient system for genuine workers.