ICPC recovered over N20bn from ghost workers’ pensions in 2024 – Chairman

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed that it recovered over N20 billion siphoned through fraudulent ghost workers’ pension schemes in 2024.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), said the commission uncovered the fraudulent insertion of workers in some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as part of its preventive activities.

Aliyu disclosed this during the “Editors’ Breakfast Meeting with ICPC Chairman”, an interactive session organised by the ICPC for media executives, in Abuja.

He emphasised that the fight against corruption cannot be waged by anti-graft agencies alone, stressing the need for collective efforts to drive national progress.

Aliyu, according to a statement issued by the ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, stated that the commission has adopted a strategic communication approach in line with the 1999 Constitution and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.

He said: “This ensures that while the commission remains strict and diligent in its operations, it upholds the rule of law and human dignity.

“Over the years, ICPC has followed a communication strategy guided by Section 36 and Section 27(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. These legal provisions safeguard suspects’ rights.

“While we remain firm and meticulous in our duties, we are equally committed to upholding the rule of law and human dignity.”

Aliyu also underscored the importance of responsible information dissemination, particularly in safeguarding informants and preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations.

The ICPC boss added: “In matters of enforcement, we share verified information through reports, newsletters, press releases, our website, and social media.

“However, we ensure that the identities of informants are protected and that the integrity of our investigations is not compromised.”

Aliyu noted that the ICPC is not seeking public validation but rather remains focused on delivering measurable results based on its Strategic Action Plan (2024-2028).

Aliyu further disclosed that the ICPC is collaborating with reputable civil society organisations to implement a corruption prevention program for Local Governments Areas in the country.

“The initiative aims to promote proactive disclosure of financial, procurement, and corruption-related information at the grassroots level,” he said.