More than 1,300 retrenched civil servants in Zamfara State have failed to appear before the verification committee constituted by Governor Dauda Lawal, according to state officials.

The State Head of Service, Yakubu Sani Haidara, confirmed that only about 800 civil servants participated in the exercise, which was established following pressure from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The labour unions had claimed that many workers were unjustly retrenched during the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage in the state.

"Civil service is an institution that has its rules and regulations. Those affected workers who did not turn out for the reverification will be considered as ghosts," Haidara stated while addressing journalists in his office.

Despite a 10-day extension granted by the governor, which ended on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the committee did not record an impressive turnout.

Haidara also revealed that 209 civil servants from the State Ministry of Education had previously absconded from their duty posts without permission. Following interventions from notable individuals, the governor directed these workers to write letters of apology for documentation, which led to their reengagement.

"Even though they have been reengaged, their salaries and allowances for the months they absconded will not be paid to them," he emphasized.

Similarly, 51 civil servants from the State Ministry of Finance were found to have absconded. Of these, 39 have been reengaged while 11 are currently pleading for reengagement.

The Head of Service assured that the current administration has no intention of unjustly dismissing any employee but aims to reposition the State civil service. He stressed that every civil servant in Zamfara must justify their monthly salary.

The verification exercise was initiated after the implementation of the new minimum wage reportedly led to what labour unions described as mistaken retrenchments across the state's civil service.