The Bauchi State Government has identified more than 100 ghost workers in the health sector during a verification exercise, with their names set to be forwarded to Governor Bala Mohammed for sanctions under civil service rules.

Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Hospital Management Board, Sambo Alkali, disclosed the findings at a news conference in Bauchi on Thursday. “We are carrying out a verification to identify ghost workers in our facilities. So far, we have discovered over 100 ghost health workers, and their cases will be forwarded to the governor for sanctions,” Alkali stated.

The audit, conducted across five health facilities, aims to eliminate payroll irregularities and ensure resources are allocated to genuine staff. To address the resulting shortage of medical personnel, Alkali explained that Governor Mohammed approved a special engagement scheme, recruiting over 40 doctors—from consultants to medical officers—based on data-driven needs.

Additionally, the governor directed the state health committee to develop a healthcare scheme of service that aligns salaries with federal standards, making Bauchi more attractive to health professionals. Health Commissioner Muhammed Dambam reinforced the administration’s commitments, noting the governor’s directive to collaborate with partners on establishing Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) production to combat child malnutrition.

Dambam also announced a N250 million recapitalization for the state Drugs and Medical Consumables Agency, matching the previous year’s allocation, to strengthen medical supply chains. The verification exercise reflects ongoing efforts to enhance accountability in Bauchi’s health sector, amid broader challenges like manpower shortages and malnutrition.