ICPC Uncovers 908 Ghost Workers, Recovers ₦942 Million in Payroll Fraud Investigation

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 ghost workers across at least 50 federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), leading to the recovery of about ₦942 million in fraudulent salary payments. The commission said the discovery was made during an investigation launched in 2024 after officials identified irregularities in pension payments. ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed that the probe exposed significant weaknesses in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), allowing fictitious names to be added to the federal payroll. According to the commission, the investigation revealed that some senior public officials allegedly inserted the names of relatives and associates into the payroll, even though they were not legitimate government employees. The salaries paid to these non-existent workers were then allegedly diverted for personal use. Aliyu said the findings highlight the need for stronger oversight and reforms in the federal payroll system to prevent similar abuses and improve accountability in the management of public funds. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to investigating corruption and recovering public resources, adding that efforts are ongoing to ensure those involved in the alleged fraud are held accountable in accordance with the law.