ICPC Uncovers 908 Ghost Workers Across MDAs, Police Record Highest Number
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered 908 fake workers on the payrolls of various federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with the Nigeria Police Force accounting for the highest number of suspected ghost workers.
The discovery emerged during the commission’s ongoing payroll verification and anti-corruption exercise aimed at eliminating fraudulent salary payments and strengthening accountability in the public service. According to the ICPC, the exercise exposed widespread irregularities across several government institutions, raising fresh concerns over the management of public funds.
Officials disclosed that the payroll audit identified hundreds of names that could not be properly verified, suggesting that salaries had been paid to individuals who either did not exist, had left the service or were otherwise ineligible to receive government wages.
Among the affected institutions, the Nigeria Police Force reportedly recorded the highest number of irregular entries. The commission stated that investigations are continuing to determine how the alleged ghost workers were inserted into the payroll system and to identify those responsible for the fraud.
The ICPC explained that the verification exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to improve transparency, eliminate financial leakages and ensure that only legitimate public servants receive salaries from government coffers.
According to the commission, removing fake workers from the payroll would help reduce unnecessary government expenditure and free up resources for critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and security.
The anti-graft agency also revealed that it is collaborating with relevant government institutions to recover funds that may have been fraudulently paid through the ghost worker scheme. Officials said anyone found culpable after investigations would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The discovery has once again highlighted the persistent challenge of payroll fraud within Nigeria’s public service. Despite previous reforms, including the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and biometric verification exercises, cases of ghost workers have continued to surface in different government establishments.
Public finance experts described the latest findings as evidence of the need for stronger internal controls, regular personnel audits and improved digital monitoring of government payroll systems. They argued that technology-driven verification processes should be strengthened to prevent the re-emergence of fraudulent salary payments.
The revelation has also generated widespread reactions among Nigerians, many of whom expressed concern over the scale of the alleged fraud. Some citizens called for tougher sanctions against those responsible, insisting that public officials involved in payroll manipulation should be prosecuted and compelled to refund any stolen funds.
Civil society organisations have equally urged the Federal Government to publish the outcome of the investigations once completed. They argued that transparency in handling the case would reinforce public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts and discourage future abuses.
Analysts believe the latest payroll audit could prompt additional reviews across other government agencies as authorities seek to identify further irregularities. They noted that routine verification exercises remain essential to protecting public finances and ensuring efficient management of government resources.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to combating corruption in all forms, stressing that payroll fraud undermines public service delivery and diverts resources away from national development. The commission assured Nigerians that investigations into the 908 suspected ghost workers would continue until all those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
As the probe progresses, attention is expected to focus on the implementation of stronger payroll safeguards and institutional reforms designed to prevent similar cases in the future. The latest findings underscore the importance of continuous oversight, accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s public sector as the government intensifies efforts to eliminate corruption and improve the management of public funds.
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