ICPC Uncovers 908 Ghost Workers Across Federal MDAs

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered 908 ghost workers across more than 50 federal ministries, departments and agencies, recovering about 942 million naira in fraudulent salaries. The investigation began in 2024 after pension irregularities were detected, revealing that senior officials allegedly inserted relatives and associates into government payrolls to divert funds. The Nigeria Police Force accounted for the largest share with 570 fake workers, followed by the National Water Resources Authority (80), the Federal Ministry of Works (56), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24), and the Ministry of Defence (19). Other flagged institutions include the Power and Industry, Trade and Investment ministries, the Health Ministry, and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, among others where investigations are ongoing. ICPC says the probe is ongoing and aims to recover more funds and prosecute those responsible, as part of broader efforts to eliminate payroll fraud and strengthen public payroll transparency. The findings are described as one of the most extensive ghost‑worker investigations in recent years, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities in public payroll systems.