ICPC recovers N20b from ghost pensioners, blocks N50 billion from looters in single ministry

By Kunle Sanni

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) announced on Wednesday that it has recovered ₦20 billion improperly disbursed as pensions to ghost workers in 2024.

During a media parley with editors in Abuja, ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu attributed the recovery to the agency’s proactive measures in tackling corruption.

Aliyu emphasized that the commission’s aggressive approach has been instrumental in curbing fraudulent practices within the public sector.

The recovered funds are part of a broader crackdown on corruption, with the ICPC intensifying its oversight and accountability measures in recent months.

“In 2024, we recovered over ₦20 billion in ghost worker pensions. We were able to track and recover these funds and identify those responsible for inserting ghost workers into the system,” he said.

“We even discovered that someone placed his wife, son, and in-laws on the payroll. These are some of the challenges we are working to eliminate,” Aliyu added.

The ICPC chairman also disclosed that the commission thwarted an attempt to divert ₦50 billion from a specific ministry.

“In 2023, we prevented the misappropriation of over ₦50 billion in a particular ministry due to our proactive measures,” he said.

Aliyu further revealed that he endured “sleepless nights” combating corruption during his tenure as the Attorney General of Jigawa State from 2019 to 2023.

“I know how those who believe they can manipulate the system use all avenues to spread lies and create confusion in an attempt to discredit our efforts. But by God’s grace, we succeeded,” he said.

He also highlighted the commission’s commitment to transparency and public engagement.

“We share verified information through reports, newsletters, press releases, our website, and social media, while ensuring the protection of informants and the integrity of investigations,” he said.

Aliyu urged the Nigerian media to collaborate with the ICPC in raising public awareness and supporting its anti-corruption initiatives.

“We want our work to be judged by the performance standards set in our strategic action plan (2024-2028). Our nation’s progress depends on it.

“All well-meaning Nigerians must join hands to tackle corruption. Fighting corruption is not easy because when you fight corruption, it fights back. Those engaged in corruption are united in their wrongdoing and attempt to discredit our efforts.

“But as a nation, we have no option but to act. If we fail to fight corruption, our children’s future will be at risk. If corruption is not addressed, it will devastate the economy, and we will all suffer the consequences,” he said.

Aliyu also announced that the ICPC is collaborating with credible civil society organizations to implement a corruption prevention program for local governments.

“This initiative ensures proactive disclosure of financial, procurement, and anti-corruption measures at the local government level,” he concluded.