The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has taken decisive steps to streamline operations across the state’s 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
A five-member panel has been constituted to screen local government staff and determine the exact number of workers employed.
The initiative aims to boost developmental planning, improve workers’ welfare, and ensure good governance at the grassroots level.
Speaking at a press conference in Lafia, Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Public Affairs, highlighted the administration’s commitment to the autonomy of LGAs while fostering collaboration between the local and state governments.
He emphasised that the establishment of a five-member panel to conduct a thorough screening of LGA employees is part of the state’s broader strategy to identify “ghost workers” and reduce the financial burden caused by inflated salary expenses.
According to Mr. Ahemba, this exercise is vital for accurate developmental planning and ensuring the new LGA authorities can implement the N70,000 minimum wage effectively.
He noted that despite retirements, deaths, and transfers, the wage bill had remained unusually high, necessitating immediate intervention.
“This screening will enable us to ascertain the actual number of employees in each LGA and help streamline their operations,” Ahemba stated.
Mr. Ahemba emphasised that the new system will also support local councils in generating more revenue internally.
In response to recent security concerns in Karu LGA particularly, the attack on Tatara community in Karu LGA, Governor Sule has taken proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
The Governor has approved the establishment of a Super Military Camp in the area, with N200 million allocated for the project.
The military base aims to prevent future attacks and reinforce the administration’s prioritisation of security. “Protecting lives and property is a top priority for this government,” Ahemba reaffirmed.
