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Tech, key in curbing ghost workers menace – Expert
To effectively address the persistent issue of ghost workers in the public service, experts argue that the government must leverage technology to verify and monitor genuine employees.
The process would also ensure a more transparent and efficient public service system.
To this end, non-existent workers in public service, whether working for the federal, state, or local governments, should be monitored through regular technological checks.
Speaking with our Correspondent in Osogbo about the recent discovery of ghost workers by both federal and some state workforces, Dr. Ayo Ologun, Executive Director of the Centre for Responsive Governance, said the issue of salary payment in state and federal government employment is a multifaceted problem.
According to him, it is ironic that the same people who blame the political class for greed and embezzlement commit economic crimes and sabotage against the country.
“It reeks of unpatriotism that not only are they drawing salaries for work not done, but they also prevent other Nigerians who are ready to work from getting such jobs by their actions.
“That, in itself is a felony against one’s nation. It also smacks of conspiracy among the senior staff of ministries and agencies who connive with such persons to commit such enormous economic crimes.
“It is also further proof that the nation is not employing technological development in detecting such infractions.
“It shows our poor data collection as a nation and as a people. I also strongly believe that everyone caught committing such crimes must be made to repay every amount accruable to them in terms of salaries and allowances while they were away.
Ologun, who said no nation can grow under people with dubious character, hinted that the government must do everything within its powers to collect every kobo those workers living abroad have collected, and they must be prosecuted for such heinous crimes against humanity and the government.
Also speaking, the state chairman of civil societies in Osun State, Comrade Emanuel Olowu, said ghost workers are a crime without severe punishment in Nigeria.
According to him, ghost workers in Nigeria further affirm how weak Nigerian institutions are and how political leaders lack the political will to stop the menace of ghost workers in Nigeria.
“Ghost workers are fictitious employees who appear on government payrolls but do not work or exist.
“This phenomenon has been a significant issue, leading to massive financial losses and inefficiencies within the public sector.
“The causes of ghost workers in Nigeria can be linked to corruption, poor record-keeping, and weak oversight.
“The ghost worker syndrome has presently cut across all states in Nigeria.
“Publications revealed that the following states host ghost workers: 5,000 in Plateau, 8,000 in Kano, 850 in Anambra, 9,300 in Kebbi, 71 in Osun, and 7,000 in Niger. Other states aside from those mentioned are not left out.
“To combat the issue of ghost workers, the Nigerian government has to take very proactive steps such as: “Biometric Verification”; Implementing biometric verification systems can help ensure that only real individuals are on the payroll.
“Conduct regular staff audits of employee records and payroll to identify and remove any discrepancies.
“Strengthening Internal Controls; Establishing robust internal controls and oversight mechanisms within government agencies to prevent the addition of ghost workers.
“Also, create public awareness and whistleblower protection.
“Encouraging public awareness campaigns and protecting whistleblowers who report instances of ghost workers.
“Technology integration utilizing modern technology, such as digital platforms and databases, to manage payroll and personnel records more efficiently.
Olowu, who said there must be strict punishment for offenders, hinted that imposing severe penalties on individuals involved in creating or maintaining ghost workers would serve as a deterrent.
He said by addressing these causes and implementing these measures, the Nigerian government can significantly reduce the prevalence of ghost workers and ensure that public funds are used for legitimate purposes, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within the public sector.
