The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered 908 ghost workers across several federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), exposing a major payroll fraud that allegedly diverted hundreds of millions of naira from government coffers.

 

The anti-graft agency disclosed that it recovered about N942 million believed to have been fraudulently paid as salaries to the fictitious workers.

 

Speaking on the development, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), said the discovery followed a comprehensive investigation launched in 2024 after the commission detected irregularities in pension payments.

 

According to reports by BBC Pidgin, the investigation revealed that the Nigeria Police Force recorded the highest number of ghost workers among the affected MDAs, placing the institution at the top of the list uncovered by the commission.

 

Aliyu said the findings highlight the need for stronger payroll verification systems and tighter oversight of personnel records across government institutions to prevent the diversion of public funds.

 

The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability in the management of public resources, adding that investigations into the payroll fraud are ongoing and that those found culpable will face appropriate legal action.