The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 ghost workers across several federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), recovering about ₦942 million allegedly siphoned through fraudulent payroll schemes.
ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu disclosed that the discovery followed a probe launched in 2024 after irregularities were detected in pension payments.
The investigation revealed widespread payroll manipulation, with fictitious names inserted into salary systems to divert public funds.Aliyu alleged that some senior officials enrolled relatives and associates on government payrolls, pocketing their salaries.
In one case, a suspect reportedly placed his wife, son, and mother-in-law on the payroll while also collecting salaries of 12 other workers.
The investigation covered at least 50 federal MDAs, with the Nigeria Police Force recording the highest number of ghost workers at 570. Other affected institutions include:
National Water Resources Authority — 80 ghost workersFederal Ministry of Works — 56Ministry of Foreign Affairs — 24Ministry
