Anambra State Government Uncovers Over 300 Ghost Workers on Payroll

The Anambra State Local Government Service Commission has uncovered a significant payroll fraud involving over 300 ghost workers who have been drawing salaries without showing up for work. This discovery highlights a major issue within the state’s local government system.

Key Findings

The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Vincent Ezeaka, revealed these findings during an interview with DAILY POST. Ezeaka, who has faced criticism from local government workers accusing him of victimization, clarified that his actions are in line with the mandate given by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to sanitize the payroll system.

Ghost Workers Identified

Ezeaka explained that the commission introduced a biometric attendance register and used it over five months to monitor worker attendance. The results were alarming:

• 320 workers had zero attendance over three months.
• Out of these, only 110 workers have since proved their legitimacy and were restored to the payroll, leaving 220 workers still unaccounted for.

Physical Audit

To further verify the authenticity of the workforce, the commission conducted a physical audit. This revealed:

• 59 deceased workers
• 40 retirees
• 222 unidentified workers
• Some workers had relocated abroad or found other jobs while still receiving salaries from the state.

Specific Cases of Fraud

Ezeaka cited several egregious examples, including a retired worker who also held a job at Nnamdi Azikiwe University while receiving both a salary and a pension. Another case involved a worker living abroad but still drawing a salary from the government.

Financial Impact

While Ezeaka could not quantify the exact amount saved, he emphasized that stopping these fraudulent payments has significantly reduced the financial burden on the state. This cleanup not only prevents unjust salary payments but also stops future pension and gratuity claims from these ghost workers.

Ezeaka’s Commitment

Despite criticism, Ezeaka remains committed to his role, asserting that his primary goal is to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the local government system. He emphasized that his efforts are meant to benefit the state and align with Governor Soludo’s objectives.

Conclusion

The crackdown on ghost workers in Anambra State underscores the importance of rigorous payroll management and accountability in the public sector. The state’s proactive measures aim to ensure that only legitimate workers are compensated, ultimately saving taxpayer money and improving governmental efficiency.