ICPC reveals widespread ghost worker fraud in government payrolls
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has exposed significant payroll fraud in government institutions. Musa Aliyu (SAN), the ICPC Chairman, detailed how individuals manipulated payroll systems, including enrolling family members and collecting multiple salaries. The commission identified about 900 suspected ghost workers and recovered substantial funds. Aliyu emphasized the need for preventive measures and stronger use of technology to combat corruption.
What we know
- Musa Aliyu (SAN) disclosed that an official enrolled 14 family members on the government payroll and another received 13 salaries.
- The commission identified about 900 suspected ghost workers and published their names, challenging them to prove their employment.
- Aliyu stated that in 2024, the ICPC recovered over N24bn in ghost workers’ pension funds.
- The commission spent about a year investigating the ghost worker scheme and uncovered various fraudulent methods.
- Aliyu stressed the importance of prevention, cross-agency collaboration, and the use of data and technology to strengthen anti-corruption efforts.
