Abuja: The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) announced the recovery of over N20 billion in pension deductions from the salaries of ghost workers in 2024. This significant recovery was disclosed by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, during a breakfast meeting with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Aliyu highlighted the commission’s success in arresting individuals who had inserted names of their associates into the Federal Government payroll. He explained that while legitimate workers’ pension deductions are sent to Pension Fund Administrators, those for ghost workers remain unaccounted for, leading to the substantial recovery. The commission tracked and retrieved N20 billion and identified several individuals responsible for manipulating the payroll system, including a case where a teenage boy was listed as a worker.
The chairman also revealed that the ICPC had blocked approximately N50 billion from being diverted by public officers in 2023. Dr. Aliyu emphasized the importance of media support to fulfill the commission’s anti-corruption mandate, assuring that the agency would continue to provide verified information through various communication channels.
Dr. Aliyu advocated for stronger laws to deter corruption, suggesting that convicted individuals should repay the full amount involved with interest and face a ban from holding public office for up to 10 years. He urged the public to stop idolizing corrupt figures, as this contributes to societal decay.
He further committed to transforming the ICPC into a leading anti-graft agency in Nigeria, highlighting the improved communication and public engagement efforts through partnerships with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
In her remarks, Miss Hussaina Akila, Director of News at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, praised Dr. Aliyu for initiating the forum and recommended comprehensive insurance for ICPC operatives to enhance their morale. The meeting was attended by editors and bureau chiefs from the northern region of the country.