Bauchi to Absorb BATV, BRC Casual Staff After 10,000 Recruitment Drive

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has announced plans to regularise casual workers in key state-owned media organisations after the completion of its ongoing 10,000 recruitment exercise.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman, made this known during an interview with journalists in his office on Tuesday.

He explained that the government is currently implementing a phased recruitment of 10,000 workers, with 5,000 already being recruited in the first phase through an online process.

The second phase of another 5,000 is expected to commence immediately after the conclusion of the first, he stated.

According to the commissioner, the regularisation of casual workers, particularly those in Bauchi Television (BATV) and Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC), will be addressed once the general recruitment exercise is completed.

“The issue of casual workers has been a longstanding concern. We have consistently assured them that efforts are being made to absorb them into the system,” he said.

He revealed that Governor Bala Mohammed has already responded to the ministry’s request and forwarded it to the Office of the Head of Service for necessary action.

“As you know, recruitment is ongoing across various ministries. The immediate focus is to fulfil His Excellency’s promise to employ 10,000 people. Once this is achieved, attention will shift to the issue of casual staff,” he stated.

Usman noted that the transition to an online recruitment system has improved transparency and efficiency, enabling ministries to accurately track applications and placements.

He also highlighted the financial strain on BATV and BRC, explaining that a large portion of their limited overhead allocations is currently used to pay casual workers.

“These organisations rely heavily on casual staff for their daily operations. Unfortunately, much of their overhead is spent on salaries, leaving little for maintenance and other operational needs,” he explained.

The commissioner, however, expressed optimism that the government would explore alternative options, including the possibility of securing a waiver, to facilitate the permanent employment of the affected workers.

“We will continue to engage both the Office of the Head of Service and the governor to ensure that these casual workers are absorbed into the system,” he said.