Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has inaugurated the State’s Automated Workforce Identity Verification and Payroll Management System Committee, aimed at blocking revenue leakages while working in partnership with Zenith Bank Plc.
Ikpeazu said that the committee will help the government manage its dwindling resources effectively He also noted that the use of science and technology will assist in identifying genuine workers in the state’s civil service, adding that the step will also expand the Abia economy and diversify its sources of revenue by putting to an end frivolous expenditure that are not in the interest of the people.
He also said that the committee will work together with Zenith Bank as a development partner on the project, with the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emeh Okoro, who represented the governor. He expressed confidence that Zenith Bank has all it takes to handle the project, stating that it’s no longer going to be business as usual for ghost workers.
The governor also expressed worry that huge amount of money is spent on wage bill for only 10 per cent of the entire Abia population, hinting that the time was apt to checkmate the lapses and inconsistency in the payroll that has given rise to the loss of money through fraudsters and thieves who disguised to siphon resources meant for the state.
He, however, assured of better days ahead for genuine workers, adding that he remained passionate about the welfare of the workers, having known that incentives bring out productivity in workers.
The Regional Manager, Zenith Bank, Imo/Abia, Gabriel Okenwa, and leader of the development partners, said the automated payroll will eliminate ghost worker syndrome, engender efficient salary payment and entrench efficient and fraud-free pension payment administration.
