Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed a staggering discovery of over N20 billion in pension deductions allocated to ghost workers on the Federal Government payroll in 2024. This revelation, made by ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, during a breakfast meeting with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Abuja on Wednesday, underscores the persistent challenge of corruption within the nation’s public sector.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that the N20 billion represents pension deductions from the salaries of non-existent employees, often referred to as “ghost workers.” Naija247news understands that while pension deductions for legitimate workers are routinely remitted to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), the deductions for these fictitious employees remain unclaimed, ultimately ending up in the coffers of corrupt individuals.
According to Naija247news, Dr. Aliyu explained that the commission’s investigation uncovered a network of individuals who fraudulently inserted the names of their associates onto the government payroll. Naija247news reports that these individuals then proceeded to siphon the pension deductions, exploiting a loophole in the system. “Any deduction made on ghost workers cannot go to any Pension Fund Administrator. It will be hanging; so that was the N20 billion recovered,” Dr. Aliyu stated, as reported by Naija247news.
Naija247news learned that this is not an isolated incident. Dr. Aliyu also revealed that the ICPC successfully prevented the diversion of approximately N50 billion by public officials in 2023. Naija247news understands that this proactive intervention by the ICPC saved the nation a substantial amount of money that would have otherwise been lost to corruption.
According to Naija247news, Dr. Aliyu emphasized the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Naija247news reports that the ICPC will share verified information through various channels, including reports, newsletters, press releases, and social media platforms. He also highlighted the ICPC’s Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028, which aligns with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, as reported by Naija247news.
Naija247news gathered that the ICPC Chairman advocated for a review of the country’s laws to make corruption less attractive. Naija247news understands that he recommended harsher penalties for convicted offenders, arguing that stronger deterrents are needed to combat corruption effectively.
Naija247news reports that the revelations made by Dr. Aliyu highlight the ongoing efforts of the ICPC to tackle corruption in Nigeria. Naija247news can confirm that the commission’s proactive approach, coupled with its commitment to transparency, is yielding significant results in the fight against corruption.
