Ghost Workers: FG Saves N4.5bn Monthly- EFCC

By Olamilekan Alani

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said that its intervention had led to the saving of N4.5 billion monthly by the Federal Government. EFCC said the money was hitherto lost to ‘ghost workers’ on the FG’s payroll.

A statement by EFCC Spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, quoted the commission’s Acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, as saying this while delivering a lecture on Thursday at the National Defence College in Abuja.

Magu spoke on the topic “Corruption and Anti-corruption Strategies in Nigeria: Way Forward,” at the Course 28 Study Programme of NDC with the theme: “Economic Diversification and National Development”.

He reiterated the commitment of the current administration to rid the country of corruption, adding that the involvement of the EFCC had helped in fighting corrupt practices.

Magu also commended the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System into salary payment, which he said had assisted to save government money.

“The involvement of the EFCC in tackling the scourge of ghost workers in the civil service has led to a redemption of over N4.5 billion naira monthly.

“The EFCC has been engaged in eradicating ‘ghost workers’ from the federal government’s payroll which has resulted in saving as much as N4.5 billion naira monthly.

“The Bank Verification Number has been an effective tool in carrying out investigations effectively, as it has curtailed the opening of fake bank accounts by fraudulent individuals.

“The only gateway to development is through fighting corruption.

“If Nigeria breaks away from corrupt practices in government businesses and in the private sector, we will transform into a model state overnight,” he said.