Government saves N1.2B after LG workers audit

Imo State Government has saved N1.2 billion after it carried out verification of local government workers in the state, an official, has said.

Mr Ikechukwu Njoku, Economic Adviser to Gov. Rochas Okorocha disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri on Thursday.

He said the money was being diverted in paying ghost NYSC members and family members of some local council workers whose names were illegally inserted in payrolls.

Njoku said that the money has been used by the government to settle pension arrears.

He said that the workers biometric data had helped the government to determine the work strength of local councils, plug areas of diversion and save vital funds for development.

The economic adviser disclosed that the state government would engage foreign investors to concession some of the state assets, to boost its economy.

He called on the general public to support the government on its concessioning policy, stressing that it was for the economic development of the state.

Njoku listed some of the companies for concessioning to include the state shoe and paint industries, and the Avutu poultry among others.

The governor’s aide said the government had reached out to some experts in rice production in Kebbi to promote local production of rice in Imo.