In a startling revelation, Sabitu Adams, a Nigerian civil servant who relocated to the UK two years ago, confessed to still receiving his monthly salary from his government job in Nigeria.
Adams, who now works as a taxi driver in the UK, disclosed in a BBC report that his name was changed to protect his identity. Despite his new occupation abroad, he has not resigned from his position as a junior official in a Nigerian government agency.
This situation highlights the pervasive issue of ghost workers within the Nigerian civil service. Annually, the government conducts biometric verifications to identify ghost workers and reports on the financial savings achieved. However, arrests or prosecutions are rarely, if ever, announced.
In a recent crackdown, President Bola Tinubu mandated that all civil servants who continue to receive salaries after moving abroad must return the funds. Additionally, Tinubu ordered punitive measures against the supervisors and department heads who facilitated these fraudulent activities.
Adams expressed indifference to the president's directives, citing his higher earnings as a taxi driver in the UK. "When I heard about the president’s directive, I smiled because I know I am doing better here – and not worried,” said the 36-year-old.
He further explained that he did not resign from his Nigerian post to keep the option open for a potential return. Adams also mentioned an arrangement with his supervisor in Nigeria, who is a relative, allowing him to continue drawing his salary.
This confession underscores the deep-rooted challenges in eradicating ghost workers from Nigeria's public service sector.
