The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 “ghost workers” across federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in a payroll fraud scheme. Multiple outlets report that the investigation involved allegedly inserting fictitious names into government salary systems to divert public funds. ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu says the findings follow a probe launched in 2024 after irregularities were detected, including issues linked to pension payments.
ICPC also says it has recovered about ₦942 million believed to have been siphoned through the scheme. The outlets report that the Nigeria Police Force has the highest number of ghost workers, with totals also recorded in other MDAs. These include the National Water Resources Authority, the Federal Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several others. Some reporting adds that ICPC alleges senior officials may have enrolled relatives and associates on payrolls, including cases described as involving multiple family members alongside other workers.
The ICPC says investigations are ongoing, including efforts to strengthen payroll integrity and ensure accountability across government agencies.
