ICPC Uncovers Over 12,000 Ghost Workers in Nigerian Federal Payroll, Police Force Most Implicated

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed the existence of over 12,000 ghost workers within the Nigerian federal payroll, with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reportedly the most implicated. According to a Daily Sun report, at least 22,074 suspicious personnel were identified across various Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and tertiary institutions. The financial impact of these 12,174 fake employees is estimated at N34.8 billion.

Despite the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) being in place, the government disbursed approximately N37.1 billion to these suspicious personnel last year. The findings were part of an anti-corruption assessment initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The ICPC’s comprehensive review of the IPPIS disclosed that from January to December of the previous year, 12,714 personnel on the MDAs’ payroll were not included in the service-wide nominal roll. Additionally, approximately 4,190 former police officers were found to be improperly listed on the IPPIS payroll.

The commission’s investigation also revealed multiple instances of fraud, including double salary payments, the inclusion of fictitious names, the use of fake identities, and ghost workers. Notably, 95 personnel across various MDAs were found to have discrepancies in their identity verification through banking applications.

Further investigation into the Ministry of Works found 212 officers, with a combined monthly salary of N31.9 million, absent from both the ministry’s nominal roll and the service-wide nominal roll.

The ICPC emphasized the significant disparity of 12,174 personnel between the nominal roll and payroll, citing the entrenchment of fraud within the Nigeria Police Force payroll. The analysis of NPF payrolls revealed inconsistencies in the nominal and payroll records, highlighting 4,190 staff categorized as “ex-employees” receiving salaries despite their status.

Overall, the commission’s report underscores the need for stringent anti-corruption measures and verification processes within Nigeria’s federal payroll system to curb financial losses and fraudulent activities.