An extensive staff verification and payroll audit have revealed over 2,500 ghost workers in Benue State. The discovery halted the payment of salaries to teachers and local government employees.
Governor Hyacinth Alia regrets the delayed payment of salaries to teachers and local government staff, stating that rampant fraudulent practices and wage bill manipulations within the government’s payroll caused the delay.
The discovery of these ghost workers, who were promptly removed from the payroll, along with other payroll infractions such as ghost schools, double dipping, unlawful employment, salary padding, payments to deceased or retired individuals, and unlawful replacements, highlights the severity of the system’s fraudulent activities.
In light of the recent revelations, Governor Alia urged the citizens to be patient during this process, as it is critical to ascertaining the true wage bill and ensuring equitable salary distribution.
He further assured genuine workers who successfully passed the verification that they would receive their salaries by the end of the week, adding that the government is determined to address the current fraud and implement measures to safeguard the payroll system in the future.
Mr Kula reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eliminating corruption and promoting transparency to ensure timely salary payments for all public servants in Benue State.
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