LIST: Police Leads As ICPC Uncovers Fake Workers In MDAs

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered what it described as a major payroll fraud involving hundreds of alleged fake workers across Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

According to a report by the BBC Pidgin, the commission stated that its investigations launched in 2024 uncovered 908 alleged fake workers across at least 50 MDAs, leading to the recovery of about ₦942 million believed to have been fraudulently paid as salaries.

Speaking to the news platform, ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), said the investigation began after the commission found irregularities in pension payments. He went on to disclose that fake workers are individuals whose names are fraudulently inserted into government payrolls despite not being legitimate employees.

According to the ICPC, a suspect allegedly placed the names of his wife, son and mother-in-law on the payroll while also collecting the salaries of 12 legitimate workers.

Below are the five agencies with the highest number of alleged fake workers identified during the investigation.

1. Nigeria Police Force – 570 alleged fake workers

The Nigeria Police Force recorded the highest number of alleged fake workers uncovered by the ICPC.

According to the commission, investigators identified 570 individuals who were allegedly receiving salaries despite not being genuine personnel of the force.

2. National Water Resources Authority – 80 alleged fake workers

The National Water Resources Authority ranked second after investigators allegedly discovered 80 fake workers on its payroll.

The authority is responsible for managing Nigeria’s water resources and supporting access to potable water nationwide.

3. Federal Ministry of Works – 56 alleged fake workers

The Federal Ministry of Works came third after the commission said it uncovered 56 alleged fake workers.

The ministry is responsible for planning, constructing and maintaining federal roads and highways across the country. According to the ICPC, the names were identified during a wider payroll verification exercise.

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4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs – 24 alleged fake workers

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also listed among the agencies with the highest number of alleged fake workers.

The commission said investigators identified 24 individuals who allegedly posed as employees while receiving government salaries.

The ministry oversees Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and foreign policy.

5. Ministry of Defence – 19 alleged fake workers

The Ministry of Defence completed the top five after the ICPC identified 19 alleged fake workers.

The ministry is responsible for coordinating Nigeria’s defence policies and supervising the country’s armed forces.

Other agencies mentioned included: Federal Ministry of Electricity – 17, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment – 17, Federal Ministry of Health – 15, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation – 12, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and Federal Ministry of Interior.