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The Bauchi State Economic Council has approved the payment of monthly stipends to Imams and Pastors across the state, a move aimed at supporting religious leaders and promoting inclusivity.
The approval came during a council meeting presided over by Governor Bala Mohammed on Friday, January 30. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the finance and revenue sectors.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Head of Civil Service, Barri Mohammed Sani Umar, confirmed that the stipends will cover Imams of Juma’at mosques as well as Christian clerics from various denominations. He emphasised that the payments would be made without discrimination.
“The council has approved the payment of monthly stipends to Imams of Juma’at mosques and Pastors of various Christian denominations across the state,” Umar said. “The payments will be implemented fairly and without discrimination.”
Umar added that the government is currently assessing the financial implications of the decision to ensure the policy is implemented smoothly and sustainably.
In addition, the council approved the commencement of salary payments for newly appointed Emirs and District Heads, noting that adequate cash flow arrangements have already been made to support the plan.
The Governor’s Chief Economic Adviser, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Haruna, also shared that a recent review of the state’s salary administration process uncovered over 3,000 ghost workers on the payroll.
He explained that a payroll audit, conducted in collaboration with Onyx Investment Advisory Limited, resulted in savings of more than ₦4.16 billion for the state.
Haruna further noted that since the state government assumed full responsibility for salary payments in August 2024, complaints related to delayed or missing salaries have largely ceased.
