Incoming Local Government Chairmen have been tasked by Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari to investigate and find a way to generate more revenue so that they can pay their employees’ salaries.
Masari made the call on Tuesday in Katsina while answering questions from reporters.
“In terms of funding local government councils, it is true that almost all local governments were overstaffed when we arrived.
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“We attempted to verify the actual staff on the payroll through table payment, but what we were able to obtain was insufficient to reduce the local governments’ massive bill.”
“We also discovered they all had genuine appointment letters,” he added.
The governor claimed that the previous administration had halted the payment of over 2,000 dollars in salary.
“We looked into their situations, and some were given money, while others were integrated because that was what they were promised during the campaign.”
“And, as you may be aware, oil prices plummeted as a result of this.” Local governments’ finances were also harmed as a result of this.
“You may recall that the federal government was forced to bail out the states.
“You know, there are no industries in Katsina State to employ people.” The civil service, either state or local government, is Katsina State’s only industry.
“Paying salaries and pensions is critical to the state’s economic survival.”
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“Some local governments have resolved the problem, while others are still working on it.
“We will be holding local government elections in Katsina state very soon.” Those new chairmen and leaders must understand that in order to pay their employees, they must improve revenue generation.
“Those who are unable to pay their employees will have to face their employees and explain why they are unable to do so,” he said.
