On 13 October 2026, the [Sokoto State Government](https://sokotostate.gov.ng) started paying salaries to 3,100 newly recruited civil servants after a verification exercise confirmed their presence at assigned duty posts, the Head of the Sokoto State Civil Service, [Abdulkadir Ahmed](https://civilservice.gov.ng), announced at a flag‑off ceremony in the state’s Cabinet Office.
**What verification was carried out?**
The verification was designed to ensure that each new recruit had reported to the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) where they were posted before being enrolled for salary payments. This step was intended to prevent ghost workers and guarantee that funds reach actual staff.
**How many workers were recruited and in which sectors?**
The recruitment drive, a key element of [Governor Ahmed Aliyu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahmed_Aliyu)’s pledge to tackle unemployment, has added more than 8,000 workers to the state workforce over three years. In the latest batch, the health sector received 1,805 new employees – 1,500 nurses and midwives, 175 doctors, 45 pharmacists and 85 radiographers and other health professionals. The Sokoto State Community Guard Corps hired 2,747 personnel, while the Sokoto State Marshal recruited an additional 1,550 staff.
**What other initiatives support employment?**
The administration highlighted its skills acquisition and empowerment programmes, through which thousands of women and youths have obtained vocational training, equipment and start‑up grants to launch businesses and achieve financial independence.
**What did the Head of Service say to the new staff?**
Abdulkadir Ahmed urged the newcomers to “be punctual, dedicated and professional,” stressing that their commitment is essential for improving public service delivery across the state.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity and pledged to discharge their duties diligently. The government affirmed that the recruitments were conducted without regard to political affiliation, giving equal chances to all qualified indigenes.
The statement was signed by Abubakar Bawa, Director‑General of Media and Publicity at Government House, Sokoto, on 13 October 2026.