BVN Audit Uncovers 45,000 Ghost Workers in Federal Payroll

A sweeping audit using the Bank Verification Number (BVN) system has uncovered 45,000 ghost workers in Nigeria’s federal payroll, exposing massive leakages in public finances.

The discovery followed the integration of BVN data into the government’s payroll system, enabling authorities to identify irregular and duplicate entries.

Officials say the move is part of broader reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public service management.

The elimination of ghost workers is expected to save billions of naira annually, freeing up resources for critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Experts have praised the development as a major step in tackling corruption and strengthening financial governance.

Authorities have vowed to investigate those responsible and enforce strict sanctions to prevent future occurrences.