Embrace technology to detect ghost workers, experts tell government
By John Dike
The only panacea to check the influx of ghost workers in the public service is for the government to apply technology to detect genuine workers.
To this end, non-existent workers in public service, whether federal, state, or local government employees, 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 smells of unpatriotism that they not only draw salaries for work not done but also prevent other Nigerians who are ready to work from getting such opportunities through their actions.
“That in itself is a felony against one’s nation. It also smacks of conspiracy among senior staff of ministries and agencies who collude with such individuals to commit such enormous economic crimes.
“It further proves that the nation is not employing technological development to detect such infractions. It shows our poor data collection as a nation and as a people. I also strongly believe that everyone caught committing such a crime must repay all money received as salaries and allowances during their absence.
Ologun, who said no nation can grow under people with dubious character, hinted that the government must do everything within its powers to recover every penny collected by those workers living abroad and prosecute them 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 illustrate how weak Nigerian institutions are and how political leaders demonstrate a lack of 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 affected all states in Nigeria. Publications reveal that the following states host ghost workers: 5,000 in Plateau, 8,000
