Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has taken decisive action to tackle the issue of ghost workers plaguing local government areas (LGAs) across the state.
In a bold move, he inaugurated a five-member committee charged with uncovering the truth behind the inflated workforce.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, revealed this development in Lafia, stating that it stemmed from a resolution by the State Economic Council.
This council, chaired by Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe, convened recently in the state capital to chart a course toward fiscal prudence.
According to Ahemba, the committee’s core mandate is to conduct an exhaustive screening to identify the genuine workforce within the LGAs.
This crucial exercise aims to plug financial leakages and empower the councils to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for their staff.
“The screening became necessary due to complaints about an inflated workforce, especially in development areas.
However, this initiative is not intended to undermine the authority of local government leaders or interfere with their autonomy,” Ahemba clarified.
In a related directive, Governor Sule has also encouraged LGA chairmen to align with federal and state food security agendas by securing extensive parcels of land for agricultural projects.
Demonstrating commitment to this cause, Vice President Kashim Shettima recently gifted two tractors to each of the state’s 13 LGAs during his visit to Nasarawa.
Additionally, Governor Sule has ordered the harmonization of revenue generation between the state and LGAs.
This measure seeks to promote transparency, ensure accountability, and eradicate leakages in the revenue collection process.
“These initiatives,” Ahemba emphasized, “reflect the administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering financial discipline, enhancing food security, and driving sustainable development in Nasarawa State.”