Rivers LG Commission Launches Biometric Drive To Eliminate Ghost Workers

The Rivers State Local Government Service Commission has intensified efforts to clean up its workforce through a comprehensive biometric verification aimed at eradicating ghost workers from the system.

The Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Israel Amadi, announced the move in Port Harcourt, explaining that the verification, which includes both online and physical stages, is part of ongoing reforms to promote transparency and accountability in the local government system.

According to Amadi, the exercise is designed to ensure that only genuine and duly employed workers remain on the government payroll. “We are determined to sanitise the system and build a reliable database of verified staff,” he said.

He added that the initiative aligns with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to strengthening institutional integrity and improving public service delivery at the grassroots.

Amadi expressed appreciation to the governor for his continuous support, noting that the exercise will save the government significant resources that can be channelled into development projects across the 23 local government areas.

Full Coverage Across the State

The verification is being conducted simultaneously in all 23 LGAs, with dedicated teams deployed to capture biometric data, verify employment records, and identify cases of multiple salary collection or double employment.

“This is not a witch-hunt,” Amadi clarified.

“It is a system reform process meant to build confidence and ensure that those drawing salaries are the ones truly serving the people.”

He explained that the biometric records would help the Commission create a centralised database, enabling easier tracking of staff movements, transfers, and promotions, while preventing payroll fraud.

Security and Transparency Measures

Amadi also assured workers that adequate security and monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to ensure a smooth and transparent process. The Commission, he said, is collaborating with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to prevent disruptions and ensure the safety of verification teams.

He urged all local government employees to cooperate fully with the verification officers, warning that failure to comply might lead to suspension of salary until proper verification is completed.

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“The process is meant to strengthen efficiency, not to punish,” he said. “We are simply building a system where every employee is accounted for.”

Towards a Credible Workforce

Amadi reiterated that the Commission’s priority is to promote fairness, due process, and professionalism within the public service, adding that only a credible and verified workforce can deliver effective governance at the local level.

He called on heads of departments and councils to support the initiative, saying it would ultimately improve service delivery and restore public trust in government institutions.

“By the time we are done, Rivers people will have a cleaner, more transparent and efficient local government system that truly serves their interests,” Amadi concluded.