An investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has exposed widespread payroll fraud across multiple Nigerian federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The anti-graft agency identified 908 fictitious employees within government salary systems and successfully recovered approximately ₦942 million linked to the fraudulent scheme.

The ongoing probe, initiated in 2024 following suspicious irregularities detected in pension disbursements, revealed systemic payroll manipulation. Senior public servants reportedly inserted fictitious individuals, including family members and acquaintances, onto official registries to siphon state funds. In one notable instance, an official allegedly enrolled close relatives while personally retaining the salaries of 12 additional listed workers.

The audit spanned at least 50 federal entities, uncovering varying degrees of non-compliance and fraud:

• Nigeria Police Force: 570 ghost workers

• National Water Resources Authority: 80 ghost workers

• Federal Ministry of Works: 56 ghost workers

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 24 ghost workers

• Ministry of Defence: 19 ghost workers

• Ministry of Power: 17 ghost workers

• Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment: 17 ghost workers

• Federal Ministry of Health: 15 ghost workers

• Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation: 12 ghost workers

Involvements were also noted within the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Interior. The ICPC has temporarily withheld specific figures for these two entities while financial inquiries remain active.