The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 ghost workers across several federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), recovering about ₦942 million allegedly lost to a fraudulent payroll scheme.
ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, speaking on the findings, said the investigation began in 2024 after irregularities were detected in pension payments. The probe revealed widespread payroll manipulation, with fictitious names allegedly added to government salary systems to divert public funds.
According to Aliyu, some senior public officials allegedly placed relatives and associates on government payrolls for personal gain. In one case, a suspect reportedly enrolled his wife, son and mother-in-law, while also collecting the salaries of 12 other workers.
The investigation covered at least 50 federal MDAs, with the Nigeria Police Force recording the highest number of suspected ghost workers at 570. Other affected institutions include the National Water Resources Authority (80), Federal Ministry of Works (56), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24), Ministry of Defence (19), Ministry of Power (17), Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (17), Federal Ministry of Health (15) and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (12).
Aliyu also revealed that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Interior are under investigation, although the number of suspected ghost workers in both institutions has not yet been disclosed as inquiries continue.