A Nigerian civil servant who relocated to the United Kingdom in 2022 continues to receive his monthly salary from Nigeria, raising serious concerns about payroll fraud within the government. The 36-year-old, identified as Daniel, now works as a taxi driver in the UK. Despite not attending work in Nigeria for two years, he still receives N150,000 monthly due to an arrangement with his supervisor.
President Orders Crackdown on Payroll Fraud
President Bola Tinubu has recently demanded action against government employees who have relocated abroad but continue to draw salaries. Expressing dismay over the situation, President Tinubu emphasized the need for restitution and accountability. He stated that both the culprits and their supervisors, who aided the fraud, must face punishment.
The Federal Government’s decision follows revelations by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Many government employees who have either moved abroad or left their positions still receive payments, exploiting the system.
“Their supervisors and department heads must also be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch,” President Tinubu said, adding that his administration would ensure “those responsible are held accountable and restitution is made.”
Non-government workers have also been implicated, enjoying free money as they get paid without being enlisted in the nation’s civil service. In some other cases, people who have either quit their government jobs or relocated overseas still receive their salaries.
Daniel’s Justification and Government’s Response
Daniel, a junior official in a government agency, revealed his rationale for not resigning. He intended to keep his options open for a possible return to Nigeria. He said, “I didn’t resign because I wanted to leave that door open in case I choose to go back to my job after a few years.”
The phenomenon of ‘ghost workers’—individuals who no longer work but still receive salaries—has been a significant issue in Nigeria. In June 2022, Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, disclosed that the Integration Personnel and Payroll Information System had identified and eliminated about 70,000 ghost workers. This reform saved the government at least N220 billion and N10 trillion through the Treasury Single Account.
However, despite these reforms, individuals like Daniel continue to benefit from the loopholes. He explained that his agreement with his boss, who is also a relative, allowed him to leave without formally resigning. This situation is a clear example of how personal connections can perpetuate payroll fraud.
Continuous Misuse of Government Funds
Despite ongoing efforts to curb such practices, the misuse of government funds remains rampant. Daniel’s case is not isolated. Many civil servants who have relocated abroad still receive their monthly salaries, thanks to corrupt arrangements with their supervisors. The government’s crackdown aims to address these issues comprehensively.
Daniel, now earning more as a taxi driver in the UK, remains unbothered by the President’s directive. He said, “When I heard about the president’s directive, I smiled because I know I am doing better here – and not worried.”
This attitude reflects a broader issue within the civil service, where accountability and oversight are often lacking. The government’s payroll system has long been plagued by inefficiencies and corruption, allowing ghost workers to thrive.
Government’s Efforts to Eliminate Ghost Workers
The government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate ghost workers are part of a broader strategy to improve public sector efficiency and transparency. The introduction of the Integration Personnel and Payroll Information System was a significant step forward. It aimed to create a more accurate and accountable payroll system, reducing opportunities for fraud.
The system’s success in identifying 70,000 ghost workers highlights the extent of the problem. These ghost workers were individuals who were being paid without performing any work, costing the government billions of naira annually.
Dr. Dasuki Arabi emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and reforms to ensure that such issues do not recur. He stated that the government would remain committed to enhancing transparency and accountability within the civil service.
Source: Punch
