Nigeria’s fight against ghost workers in the civil service has reached a critical juncture. The Federal Government (FG) has mandated all federal civil servants to complete a mandatory verification exercise by July 31st, 2024. This directive comes amidst persistent concerns about payroll fraud and the misappropriation of public funds.
Aiming for Transparency: Eradicating Payroll Fraud
The verification exercise, spearheaded by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), aims to establish a definitive record of all legitimate federal employees. This will involve civil servants verifying their identities on the IPPIS portal using a combination of their IPPIS number, salary account number, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
The FG’s resolve to tackle ghost worker syndrome is driven by a desire for increased transparency and accountability in public service payroll management. According to a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity, “The prevalence of ghost workers has resulted in significant financial losses for the government. This verification exercise is a crucial step towards ensuring that public funds are directed towards legitimate beneficiaries.
The Human Cost: Real People Behind the Numbers
While the verification exercise is a positive step, it has caused anxiety amongst some civil servants. Concerns have been raised regarding the tight deadline, particularly for those residing in remote areas or facing challenges obtaining their TIN. A civil servant in Ilorin, Kwara State, confided, “The deadline is fast approaching, and many of us here are struggling to register. The online TIN application process has been frustrating, and some have had to resort to visiting FIRS offices which are often overwhelmed.”
The potential consequences of failing to complete the verification process are particularly concerning. Civil servants who do not comply by the deadline risk having their salaries suspended. This raises worries about the impact on their livelihoods and the potential hardship it could cause.
Beyond Verification: Strengthening Internal Controls
Experts believe that the verification exercise, while necessary, is just one piece of the puzzle in tackling payroll fraud. A public affairs analyst, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, emphasizes the importance of robust internal controls within government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). “While the verification process is crucial, it is equally important to strengthen internal controls within MDAs. Supervisory personnel must be held accountable for identifying and reporting irregularities within their departments,” he stressed.
Mr. Adebayo further highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach. Alongside verification and internal controls, there’s a need for continuous improvement in technology and data security to prevent the creation of new ghost accounts. Additionally, promoting a culture of transparency and encouraging whistleblowing can be instrumental in uncovering fraudulent activities.
Stakeholders’ Roles: A Collective Effort
The success of the verification exercise hinges on the collective effort of all stakeholders. The government, through the IPPIS office, has a responsibility to ensure a smooth and accessible verification process. This includes providing adequate support and technical assistance to civil servants, particularly those facing challenges with online registration.
Civil servants, on the other hand, must prioritize completing the verification process by the deadline. This not only safeguards their salaries but also contributes to a more transparent and accountable public service system. Additionally, whistleblowers who possess information about potential payroll fraud are encouraged to come forward using established channels.
Looking Ahead: Building a More Efficient Civil Service
The FG’s commitment to tackling ghost workers is a welcome development. The verification exercise, if executed effectively, has the potential to significantly reduce payroll fraud and ensure that public funds are directed towards legitimate purposes. However, this initiative needs to be accompanied by efforts to strengthen internal controls within MDAs and invest in technological advancements to safeguard against future manipulation. Ultimately, a collective effort from the government, civil servants, and whistleblowers is required to build a more efficient and transparent civil service in Nigeria.
