EFCC Begins Payroll Verification Of Delta Civil Service To Eliminate Ghost Workers
EFCC Launches Payroll Verification Exercise Across Delta Civil Service
Anti-Graft Agency Screens Civil Servants
THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced a comprehensive verification exercise across the Delta State Civil Service as part of efforts to identify ghost workers, verify personnel records and strengthen the integrity of the state’s payroll system.
The exercise, which began in Asaba, involves the screening of the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, alongside officials from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The verification forms part of a broader investigation into possible irregularities in public sector personnel management and payroll administration.
Head of Service Confirms Exercise
Speaking during activities marking the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration, Dr. Oseji confirmed that EFCC officials had been deployed to government offices to examine payroll records, nominal rolls and related personnel documents.
According to her, the anti-graft agency formally notified the Delta State Government before commencing the exercise, which she described as a lawful process aimed at improving accountability within the public service.
She explained that the verification commenced with the Office of the Head of Service before extending to other MDAs, adding that designated state officials have been assigned to work with the EFCC team throughout the exercise.
Drive Against Ghost Workers
The verification is expected to identify ghost workers, eliminate payroll leakages and detect other personnel irregularities, including outdated nominal rolls, absentee employees and possible violations of public service regulations.
The exercise aligns with ongoing reforms designed to modernise human resource management in Delta State through improved record keeping, digital personnel management and stronger institutional accountability.
Ghost-worker schemes have for years remained a major challenge across several tiers of government in Nigeria, with periodic verification exercises uncovering fictitious employees and saving governments billions of naira in salary payments.
Transparency and Public Confidence
The EFCC’s intervention comes at a time when governments across Nigeria are intensifying efforts to sanitise public payroll systems and improve fiscal discipline.
Analysts say independent verification exercises can strengthen public confidence by ensuring that only legitimate employees receive government salaries, while also freeing up resources for infrastructure, healthcare, education and other public services.
They, however, note that the credibility of such exercises depends largely on transparency, professionalism and adherence to due process, warning that any perception of bias or corruption could undermine public trust.
Wider Public Service Reforms
Beyond payroll verification, Delta State has continued to implement broader civil service reforms focused on staff training, digital transformation and improved service delivery.
Officials believe that combining technological reforms with independent verification will help build a more efficient, transparent and accountable public service capable of meeting the demands of modern governance.
