The Bauchi State Economic Council has approved monthly stipends for Imams and Pastors across the state. Governor Bala Mohammed chaired the meeting on Friday, January 30, alongside top officials from the finance and revenue sectors.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Head of Civil Service, Barrister Mohammed Sani Umar, said the decision covers Imams of Juma’at mosques and clerics from various Christian denominations. He emphasized that the payments will be made without discrimination, adding that the government is working out the financial details to ensure the policy is sustainable.
The council also approved the commencement of salary payments for newly appointed Emirs and District Heads. Umar noted that necessary cash flow plans have already been put in place to support the move.
Meanwhile, the Governor’s Chief Economic Adviser, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Haruna, revealed that a review of the state’s salary structure uncovered more than 3,000 ghost workers. He said a payroll audit carried out with Onyx Investment Advisory Limited helped the state save over ₦4.16 billion.
Haruna added that since the state government took full control of salary payments in August 2024, complaints related to salary issues have stopped.
