Business

How Kogi state Government lost N213 Billion to 18,211 ghost workers

Published

7 years ago

July 26, 2016

APC Rakes In Over ₦‎1.3 Billion From Forms In 3 States

The Kogi State Government lost N213 billion to 18, 211 ghost workers in the past 13 years, the state Auditor-General, Okala Yusuf, has said.

Mr. Yusuf made the disclosure on Monday in Lokoja while presenting the report of the just-concluded screening and verification of the state workforce undertaken by the government.

He said the ghost workers were discovered in Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) and in the 21 local government councils in the state.

He said 7, 606 of the ghost workers were discovered in the work force of local councils, 5,872 were discovered in the state work force while pensioners account for 1,040 of the ghost workers.

The A-G said the exercise had reduced the joint workforce of the state and local governments from 88, 973 to 63, 870.

He added that the monthly wage bill had also been reduced from N5.8 billion to N4.6 billion.

Yusuf said the 929 workers who were illegally employed in the state in 2015 and 2016 were also among those categorised as ghost workers.

He said some workers categorised as being in the Diaspora, who had been collecting their salaries for years while residing in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and other cities across the country were also affected.

He said the committee relied on employees’ bio data verification form and the Nigeria inter-bank payment settlement system to identify the ghost workers.

He accused some `vested interest’ of muddling the report of the screening committee by omitting the names of 14, 147 genuine workers and replacing them with the names of uncleared staff.

Mr. Yusuf, who served as chairman of the back-up committee that reviewed the report of the screening committee, suggested the adoption of the integrated and automated payroll system to curb leakages.

The A-G also suggested the establishment of pre-disbursement audit unit before payment of salaries.

He said all those who abetted and aided the fraud in the workforce of the state and local governments should be identified and made to face the consequences of their actions.

Speaking after the presentation of the report, Governor Yahaya Bello said the discovery had justified the good intention of the government to embark on the screening and verification.

He inaugurated a 15-member committee to review the report, saying that anybody with genuine complaint should channel it through the committee.

He promised to correct lopsidedness in the state civil service and block leakages.

“Less than two per cent of the population should not be allowed to continue to corner the resources meant for 3.4 million people.

“This is unsustainable; the choice we have is to either reform the service or continue with the distortions in the socio-economic life of our people, “Bello said.

The governor accused previous administrations in the state of abandoning governance, saying that his administration was determined to carry out comprehensive reforms of the civil service.

“This is a way of saying that we are not ready to continue with the past and put permanent stop to the syndrome of ghost workers,” he said.

While reiterating the determination of his administration to adhere strictly to the principles of transparency and accountability, Mr. Bello said that government would endeavour to enhance the capacity of the successful workers.

(NAN)

Business

Why You Should Patronize Oye’s Food Place

Published

19 hours ago

December 7, 2023

Sahara Weekly

Why You Should Patronize Oye’s Food Place

Everyone deserves a good meal, especially after a hectic day at work. Oye’s Food is the one-stop place to get delicious and nutritious food.

Run by Damola Oyewale, a gifted chef, Oye’s Food prides itself in all kinds of food and soups both local and continental at the doorstep of your house. They take the stress off you and their delivery package is top-notch. That’s why dignitaries prefer Oye’s Food to take care of their food. A trial will convince you…

Bank

The Alternative Bank Delights Customers with Exclusive Seasonal Product

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2023

Sahara Weekly

The Alternative Bank Delights Customers with Exclusive Seasonal Product

Ahead of the festive period, The Alternative Bank is offering customers an innovative financial product designed to enhance the holiday experience.

This pioneering solution – AltMall, allows individuals to instantly acquire desired items and pay in manageable instalments, freeing up funds for other essential needs.

AltMall provides customers unparalleled flexibility through deferred payment options, promising a seamless and stress-free shopping experience.

In an official statement, Mohammed Yunusa, Head of NIB Digital and Consumer Business at The Alternative Bank, acknowledged the challenging economic conditions and emphasized the bank’s commitment to ensuring that customers can still enjoy the best of the season.

Yunusa stated, “The Alternative Bank recognises the economic challenges that may hinder many people from fully enjoying the festive season. In anticipation of this reality, we are proud to offer our valued customers a unique financial product as a solution.”

“At The Alternative Bank, we understand the significance of family ties, reunions, and other festivities during this time of the year. With AltMall, we aim to provide a respite for our customers, enabling them to continue cherished traditions, regardless of the economic situation,” he added.

AltMall is tailored for the modern consumer, providing access to the platform from the comfort of home or while on the go. Customers can conveniently choose deferred payment options aligned with their financial preferences, allowing them to savour their purchases while effectively managing their finances.

Yunusa highlighted AltMall’s commitment to prioritizing customer convenience, stating, “AltMall gives our customers control over their purchases and payment schedules. Our platform ensures a seamless and user-friendly shopping experience, whether at home or on the move.”
The Alternative Bank, known for its dedication to innovative financial solutions, reaffirms its commitment through AltMall. The product represents a significant step in redefining the intersection of finance and e-commerce, offering a unique shopping experience that combines convenience, variety, and financial flexibility.

As the festive season approaches, The Alternative Bank invites customers to make the most of AltMall, embracing a new way to shop online that aligns with their evolving needs.

ENDS