Bauchi Pays Imams and Pastors With Ghost Worker Savings

When Bauchi State audited its payroll and discovered ghost workers draining public funds, officials didn't just pocket the savings. They decided to invest in the people who serve their communities every day.

The Nigerian state government announced it will pay monthly stipends to imams and pastors across all denominations and sects. The funding comes directly from money recovered after removing fake employees from government rolls.

Mohammed Sani Umar, Bauchi's Head of Civil Service, confirmed the decision after meeting with Governor Bala Mohammed. The Economic Council approved the plan, which treats all religious leaders equally regardless of their faith tradition or denomination.

"The issues of allowances for imams and pastors are irrespective of sects and denominations," Umar explained to reporters. The government is now calculating the exact costs to begin implementation.

Religious leaders often serve as counselors, mediators, and community anchors in Nigerian society. Many work without steady income, relying on voluntary contributions from congregations that may themselves struggle financially.

The decision sends a powerful message about priorities. Rather than simply redirecting recovered funds into general expenses, Bauchi chose to recognize the daily work of faith leaders who build social cohesion.

The Ripple Effect

This move could strengthen interfaith relations in a region sometimes marked by religious tension. By supporting imams and pastors equally, the government reinforces the value of both Muslim and Christian contributions to community wellbeing.

The policy also demonstrates how fighting corruption can create immediate community benefits. Ghost workers represent a widespread problem across Nigerian states, draining resources meant for public services.

Bauchi's approach shows other states a template for converting recovered funds into tangible support for civil society. The same meeting also addressed salary payments for newly appointed emirs and district heads, ensuring traditional leaders receive proper compensation.

For religious leaders who've long served without recognition, the stipends represent more than money. They signal that government sees and values their role in maintaining community bonds, providing guidance, and supporting residents through difficult times.

When you clean up corruption and invest the savings wisely, everyone wins.