Bauchi Govt Saves ₦4.16bn from Ghost Workers, Approves Allowances for Imams, Pastors

By Mubarak Aliyu Kobi

The Bauchi State Government has announced plans to commence the payment of allowances to Imams and Pastors across the state, in a move aimed at strengthening social cohesion and supporting religious leaders.

The decision followed an extraordinary meeting of the State Economic Management Council, chaired by the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, at the Government House in Bauchi.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Head of the Bauchi State Civil Service, Barrister Muhammad Sani Umar, confirmed the development, noting that the initiative was designed to recognize the vital role of religious leaders in promoting peace, moral values, and community development.

He explained that the allowances would be paid in phases and handled transparently, in line with the government’s policy of accountability and prudent financial management.

Speaking on the lingering salary challenges in the state, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Yahuza Adamu Ningi, revealed that the council had adopted a new strategy to permanently address the problem.

According to him, the new approach has successfully tackled the ghost workers syndrome, leading to the recovery of funds previously lost through fraudulent payroll practices.

Yahuza Adamu Ningi disclosed that over four point one six billion naira (₦4.16 billion) was saved for the state as a result of the exercise.