Nigerian Civil Servant in the UK Receives Salary Despite Not Working

In a surprising revelation, a Nigerian civil servant who left the country for the United Kingdom in 2024 has disclosed that he continues to receive his monthly salary from his place of work in Nigeria, even though he is no longer present. The individual, referred to as Daniel for privacy reasons, is a 36-year-old taxi driver in the UK. He shared his story with the BBC, highlighting the mutual understanding he has with his boss, which allows him to receive a monthly payment of N150,000.

This revelation comes at a time when the Nigerian government has expressed its intention to crack down on civil servants who have relocated abroad but still receive salaries. President Bola Tinubu, in response to the revelations made by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, has ordered that those found guilty of this practice must refund the money they have fraudulently collected. He also emphasized that supervisors and department heads who have aided and abetted such fraud will face punishment.

While the issue of civil servants receiving salaries without actively working is not new, it extends beyond government workers. Even individuals who have quit their government jobs or relocated overseas continue to receive payments. However, Daniel, who holds a junior position in a government agency, remains unfazed by the President’s directive. He asserts that his current income in the UK surpasses the salary he receives from the government in Nigeria, making him financially better off.

When asked why he did not formally resign from his position after relocating, Daniel explained that he wanted to keep the option open to return to his job in Nigeria in the future. He expressed his contentment with his decision, stating that he is not worried about the President’s directive.

Daniel is just one of many Nigerians who have relocated abroad but still receive their monthly pay from the Federal Government. However, it is worth noting that efforts have been made to address fraudulent practices in the civil service system. The Bureau of Public Service Reforms reported that the Integration Personnel and Payroll Information System, backed by the Federal Government, has successfully exposed and eliminated approximately 70,000 ghost workers, resulting in significant savings for the government.

In Daniel’s case, he attributes his continued receipt of salary to a good understanding with his boss, who happens to be a relative. Unlike typical situations where ghost workers strike deals with their superiors to conceal their actions and share the salaries, Daniel’s arrangement is unique.

As the government aims to hold those responsible accountable and ensure restitution is made, this revelation highlights the need for stricter measures to prevent the fraudulent collection of salaries by individuals who are no longer actively working in their positions. The government’s efforts to address ghost workers and eliminate wasteful spending in the civil service system should be commended.