The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered over N20 billion in pension deductions linked to ghost workers in 2024.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a breakfast meeting with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
He revealed that the commission also arrested individuals who manipulated the federal government’s payroll by inserting names of their associates.
Aliyu explained that while pension deductions for legitimate workers are remitted to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), deductions from ghost workers remain unallocated, creating a financial loophole.
“Any deduction made on ghost workers does not go to any Pension Fund Administrator. It remains unclaimed, and that was the N20 billion we recovered,” he said.
Through extensive investigations, the commission identified individuals responsible for the fraudulent payroll entries, including a case where a public officer placed his wife, son, and in-law on the government’s payroll. Shockingly, one of the listed beneficiaries was a 15-year-old boy.
“We arrested him. These are some of the challenges we are addressing, and we are committed to preventing this from happening again,” Aliyu stated.
In addition to the pension fraud recovery, the ICPC chairman revealed that the commission blocked the diversion of approximately N50 billion by some public officials in 2023.
Aliyu called for stronger legal measures to deter corruption, emphasizing that those found guilty should not profit from their crimes.
He suggested that convicted individuals be required to repay the full amount stolen, with interest, and be barred from holding public office for up to 10 years.
He also urged Nigerians to stop celebrating corrupt individuals, stating that societal glorification of fraudulent wealth has contributed to deep-rooted corruption.
Reaffirming the ICPC’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Aliyu pledged to strengthen the agency’s operations and deepen its collaboration with the media to enhance the fight against corruption.
