Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State recently issued a directive to halt all non-statutory deductions from civil servants’ salaries, specifically those related to cooperative associations and commodity vendors. This decision was made in response to numerous complaints from workers about unauthorized deductions through the state’s payroll system.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, confirmed the directive, stating that it aims to clean up the state’s payroll system from illegal deductions and ensure better management of civil servants’ remuneration. The directive includes stopping deductions used for illegal surcharges under the guise of cooperatives and commodity loan repayments.
Governor Lawal instructed the Commissioner for Finance to enforce the suspension and inform all relevant cooperative societies and commodity vendors about the decision. Only statutory deductions like PAYE, union dues, NHF, ZAMCHEMA, water rates, FMB’s Rent-to-Own and Home Renovation schemes, and Housing Corp loans are allowed under the new directive.
The statement highlighted the administration’s dedication to supporting the welfare of civil servants by improving working conditions, providing necessary resources, and creating a conducive environment for a highly competent and motivated workforce in Zamfara State.