FG Strikes Out 23,846 Ghost Workers From Payroll

FEDERAL Government of Nigeria has finally struck out the names of no fewer than 23,846 ghost workers from its payroll valued at a total monthly loss of N2,293bn over the years.

This was disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Finance over the weekend saying that the discovery was made possible through the mandatory registration of BVN through the banks in the country adding that it also led to a reduction by 19,203 military pensioners who were no longer alive but monthly pensions were paid out by the government to unknown personnels.

“This figure represents a percentage of the number of non-existent workers who had hitherto been receiving salary from various ministries, departments and agencies”, the Ministry stated.

“The Military Pension Board has revised the amount payable for its due pension contributions on a monthly basis by N575million, following its annual verification exercise for military retirees.

“This reduced the number of pensioners by 19,203 as a result of deaths since the last verification exercise in 2012,” Festus Akanbi, Special Assistant to the Minister for Finance said.

Furthermore, it noted that further investigation on other suspected cases is already in progress adding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant agencies will take up the matter to a logical conclusion.

Similarly, the statement disclosed that the Federal Government is also making concerted efforts towards recovering salary balances in bank accounts as well as any pension contributions in respect of the deleted workers which he emphatically noted that it will require intensified collaboration with the concerned banks and the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

By and large, the Federal Government is determined to continue the verification programme on a regular periodic basis in its efforts to ensuring accountability.

 “It plans to undertake periodic checks and to utilise Computer Assisted Audit Techniques under its new Continuous Audit Programme. This will ensure that all payments are accurate and valid. Requirements for new entrants joining the Federal Civil Service have also been enhanced to prevent the introduction  of fictitious employees in future” the statement said.