Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered 908 ghost workers during a nationwide payroll audit, leading to the recovery of ₦942 million in salaries that were fraudulently paid to non-existent employees. The anti-corruption agency said the discovery forms part of ongoing efforts to eliminate payroll fraud and strengthen transparency in Nigeria's public service.
The findings were disclosed on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, during the presentation of the 2025 System Study and Review Report in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), said the commission's investigations revealed widespread payroll irregularities across several Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He explained that the exercise was carried out under the commission's preventive anti-corruption mandate aimed at improving accountability in public institutions.
According to the ICPC, the commission identified 908 ghost workers who had been illegally receiving salaries from government payrolls. As a result of the investigation, ₦942 million was recovered and returned to government coffers. The commission also disclosed that several suspicious payroll entries were removed from the system to prevent further financial losses.
Dr Aliyu said payroll fraud remains one of the major avenues through which public funds are diverted and stressed that the commission would continue collaborating with relevant government agencies to strengthen payroll verification and financial controls. He noted that the adoption of technology-driven verification systems has significantly improved the detection of fraudulent salary payments.
The ICPC chairman further urged public institutions to improve internal control mechanisms, maintain accurate personnel records and ensure regular staff verification exercises. He warned that public officials found to have participated in payroll fraud or aided the inclusion of ghost workers would face investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
The commission said the latest recovery reflects its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources. It added that recommendations contained in the System Study and Review Report are intended to address institutional weaknesses that enable corruption and financial leakages within government agencies.
The exposure of the ghost workers comes amid ongoing reforms by the Federal Government to improve efficiency in the civil service, reduce wasteful expenditure and strengthen public financial management. Anti-corruption advocates have described the development as a significant step toward safeguarding public funds and restoring confidence in government payroll systems.
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