Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered over N20 billion in pension deductions fraudulently allocated to ghost workers in 2024.
The Chairman of ICPC, 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 had also arrested individuals involved in fraudulently adding names of their associates to the Federal Government payroll.
Fraudulent Pension Deductions Uncovered
Dr. Aliyu explained that while pension deductions for legitimate workers are remitted to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), those for ghost workers remain unclaimed. The commission was able to track these fraudulent deductions, leading to the recovery of N20 billion.
“Any deduction made on ghost workers cannot go to any Pension Fund Administrator. It will be hanging; so that was the N20 billion recovered,” he stated.
ICPC Prevents N50 Billion Public Funds Diversion
In addition to the pension fraud, Dr. Aliyu revealed that the ICPC successfully prevented the diversion of about N50 billion by some public officials in 2023. He emphasized the commission’s commitment to proactive enforcement through strategic anti-corruption measures.
“Last year, we unveiled the Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028, which aligns with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. We will always be proactive in ensuring we prevent corruption rather than just reacting after it has happened,” he said.
Calls for Harsher Anti-Corruption Laws
The ICPC chairman called for a review of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws to make corruption less attractive. He recommended that convicted offenders should be required to repay the full amount stolen with interest and be barred from holding public office for up to 10 years.
“Anyone found guilty of corruption should not benefit from it. In some jurisdictions, offenders are forced to return stolen funds with interest,” he noted.
Arrests Made Over Payroll Fraud
Dr. Aliyu further disclosed that the ICPC had arrested individuals involved in payroll fraud, including a case where a government worker added family members to the payroll system.
“We tracked and recovered the stolen money and identified those inserting ghost workers into the system. In one case, a government worker placed his wife, son, and in-laws on the payroll—including a 15-year-old boy. We arrested him,” he revealed.
Culture of Corruption Must End
The ICPC chairman urged Nigerians to stop glorifying corrupt individuals, stressing that societal attitudes often encourage unethical practices.
The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling corruption through strict enforcement, public awareness, and preventive measures to protect public funds and ensure transparency in governance.
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