ICPC Uncovers Massive Ghost Worker Scam, Recovers N24 Billion

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has made a groundbreaking discovery of a massive ghost worker scam in the government payroll system. According to the commission's chairman, Musa Aliyu, one government official was found to have enrolled 14 family members as ghost workers, thereby collecting multiple salaries. This revelation was made by Aliyu during the 2026 Economic Confidential Lecture and National Spokespersons Award, organized by Image Merchants Promotions Limited in Abuja. The ICPC chairman disclosed that the commission's investigation, which lasted for about a year, uncovered various methods used to insert fictitious employees into the government payroll and divert public funds. Aliyu explained that the commission discovered that some individuals had enrolled their family members, including wives, daughters, and sons, as ghost workers, resulting in the collection of multiple salaries. For instance, one person was found to have enrolled 14 family members, while another enrolled his wife, daughter, son, and others, collecting 13 salaries. The ICPC has identified about 900 suspected ghost workers and has published their names to allow the affected individuals to prove their legitimacy. The commission's investigation also revealed that fictitious employees had legitimate names and email addresses on the official payroll system, but the bank accounts attached to their records belonged to other individuals. Aliyu warned that payroll fraud could have far-reaching consequences beyond the payment of salaries, as ghost workers could also become beneficiaries of pensions, mortgages, housing funds, and health insurance. In 2024, the ICPC recovered over N24 billion in suspected ghost workers' pension funds. The commission is strengthening its cooperation with other government agencies and adopting preventive measures to curb corruption and recover public resources. Aliyu emphasized that the ICPC is focusing on preventing corruption and ensuring that government projects are properly executed, rather than relying solely on criminal prosecution. He also called for the greater use of data and technology in combating corruption, stating that reliable information and effective communication are essential to improving public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.