ICPC uncovers 908 suspected ghost workers in Police, other federal agencies, recovers ₦942m

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered 908 suspected ghost workers across at least 50 federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) accounting for the highest number of suspected fraudulent payroll entries.

The anti-corruption agency disclosed that the nationwide payroll verification exercise also led to the recovery of about ₦942 million in salaries allegedly paid to fictitious employees, describing the discovery as a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to eliminate payroll fraud and improve accountability in the public sector.

Speaking on the findings, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), said the investigation exposed widespread manipulation of government payroll systems through the insertion of fictitious names, ineligible beneficiaries and non-existent employees into salary records.

According to the commission, ghost workers are individuals whose names are fraudulently inserted into government payrolls to illegally receive salaries despite not being legitimate employees. In some cases, public officials allegedly add the names of relatives, friends or associates to the payroll and divert the salaries for personal gain.

Aliyu revealed that investigators uncovered one case involving a suspect who allegedly placed the names of his wife, son and mother-in-law on the payroll while simultaneously collecting salaries meant for 12 other fictitious workers.

The Nigeria Police Force recorded the highest number of suspected ghost workers, with 570 names flagged during the verification exercise.

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The National Water Resources Authority followed with 80 suspected ghost workers, while the Federal Ministry of Works recorded 56.

Other agencies affected include the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which had 24 suspected ghost workers, the Federal Ministry of Defence with 19, and both the Federal Ministry of Power and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, each with 17 suspected ghost workers.

The Federal Ministry of Health recorded 15 suspected ghost workers, while the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had 12.

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Interior were also identified as agencies affected by payroll fraud, although the ICPC did not disclose the number of suspected ghost workers linked to the two institutions because investigations are still ongoing.

The commission explained that the payroll audit forms part of its broader strategy to support the Federal Government’s drive to eliminate financial leakages from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and strengthen transparency in public financial management.

As part of the anti-graft campaign, the ICPC recently secured a final forfeiture order from the Federal High Court in Abuja for approximately ₦942 million traced to accounts linked to the payroll fraud scheme. The recovered funds have been forfeited to the Federal Government.

The commission disclosed that an earlier phase of the investigation initially identified 587 suspected ghost workers during a joint payroll audit conducted with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. Following further verification, 120 individuals were confirmed to be legitimate employees, while investigations into the remaining suspicious accounts continue.

Aliyu said the ICPC would continue to deploy technology, data analytics and collaboration with relevant government agencies to detect payroll fraud, recover stolen public funds and prosecute anyone found culpable.

He also urged heads of ministries, departments and agencies to strengthen internal control systems, conduct regular personnel audits and ensure strict compliance with payroll verification procedures to prevent future abuses.

The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to sanitising the Federal Government payroll system, blocking revenue leakages and promoting transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources.

ICPC uncovers 908 suspected ghost workers in Police, other federal agencies, recovers ₦942m

How to apply for FG’s YouthCred loan and qualify for up to ₦2 million

The Federal Government has launched YouthCred for Entrepreneurs, a new financing initiative designed to provide collateral-free business loans of between ₦200,000 and ₦2 million to young Nigerians running micro and small businesses.

The programme, unveiled in Abuja, is part of the government’s broader effort to improve access to affordable credit, reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and support the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

According to the government, the initiative will initially support 500,000 young entrepreneurs, with plans to expand the programme to one million beneficiaries before the end of the year.

Unlike conventional bank loans that often require collateral and guarantors, YouthCred uses an alternative credit assessment model that evaluates applicants based on their business cash flow, repayment capacity and credit behaviour.

Who is eligible to apply?

To qualify for the YouthCred loan, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Own or operate a business
• Demonstrate responsible credit behaviour
• Show evidence of business cash flow and ability to repay the loan
• Complete the required verification process

How much can applicants borrow?

Eligible entrepreneurs can access loans ranging from:

• Minimum: ₦200,000
• Maximum: ₦2 million

The amount approved will depend on the applicant’s business performance, repayment capacity and credit assessment.

Who can benefit?

The programme targets young Nigerians operating small businesses and providing essential services, including:

• Caterers
• Fashion designers and tailors
• Make-up artists
• Hairdressers and barbers
• Content creators
• Ride-hailing drivers
• Mechanics
• Young farmers
• National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members
• ICT professionals
• Other eligible micro and small business owners

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How to apply for the FG’s YouthCred loan

Applicants can complete their application online by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official YouthCred application portal.

Step 2: Create an account using your email address and personal details.

Step 3: Select the Youth Entrepreneur category.

Step 4: Fill in the online application form with accurate personal and business information.

Step 5: Upload the required identification and verification documents.

Step 6: Submit the application for verification and credit assessment.

Step 7: If successful, the application will be processed through participating regulated financial institutions before the loan is disbursed.

Is collateral required?

No.

One of the major advantages of the YouthCred programme is that applicants are not required to provide collateral or guarantors.

Instead, loan approval is based on:

• Business cash flow
• Credit history
• Repayment capacity
• Overall financial assessment

Flexible repayment options

Successful applicants can repay the loan over a period of one to 12 months, depending on the repayment plan that best suits their business and financial situation.

The flexible repayment structure is intended to make borrowing more accessible while encouraging responsible financial management.

How to increase your loan limit

Borrowers who perform well under the programme can qualify for larger loans in future by:

• Repaying previous loans on time
• Building a positive credit history
• Completing the platform’s financial literacy and business training modules

Government explains purpose of the scheme

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy said the initiative was created to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of young Nigerians by giving them access to affordable financing.

According to the minister, more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s MSMEs are microenterprises operated by individuals such as caterers, mechanics, fashion designers, ride-hailing drivers, content creators and young farmers.

He said improving access to credit would help these entrepreneurs expand their businesses, create jobs and contribute more to national economic growth.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), Uzoma Nwagba, said the government intends to reach 500,000 beneficiaries in the first phase and one million young Nigerians before the end of the year.

He encouraged beneficiaries to repay their loans promptly, noting that responsible borrowing would strengthen their credit profiles and allow more Nigerians to benefit from the programme.

The Federal Government said the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to promote financial inclusion, stimulate entrepreneurship and empower young Nigerians with affordable access to business financing.

How to apply for FG’s YouthCred loan and qualify for up to ₦2 million

FG, CREDICORP Roll Out Laptop Credit Scheme for 3MTT Beneficiaries – 1,000 Devices Ready

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) , has launched a transformative financing scheme to provide affordable consumer credit for laptops and other digital devices to beneficiaries of the government’s flagship Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme .

The initiative, branded as Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.), was officially unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy . The programme is designed to remove the significant upfront cost barrier that has historically prevented many talented Nigerians from acquiring the essential technology needed for learning, employment, and entrepreneurship in an increasingly digital world .

According to an official statement released by CREDICORP, the programme will initially provide 1,000 locally assembled laptops to eligible 3MTT fellows through the Learn2Earn platform . At the launch ceremony, 77 beneficiaries received their devices as the first phase of a nationwide rollout, with the remaining laptops scheduled for distribution to qualified fellows across other states in subsequent phases . This phased approach ensures that the programme is implemented efficiently and reaches beneficiaries in all geopolitical zones of the country .

CREDICORP has partnered with Fidelity Bank to serve as the credit administration partner, responsible for managing the credit processing and repayment framework . The laptops themselves are being assembled locally by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and Imose Technologies . This strategic focus on locally assembled devices aligns with the government’s broader commitment to supporting indigenous manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports, and creating jobs within Nigeria’s burgeoning technology ecosystem .

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Speaking at the launch event, Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasized that the initiative is designed to ensure Nigerians have access to both digital skills and the physical tools required to participate meaningfully in the country’s growing digital economy .

“Nigeria’s digital economy can only thrive when our people have both the skills and the tools to succeed,” Tijani stated .

“Through C.L.I.C.K.D., we are helping qualifying Nigerians participate more fully in the opportunities created by the 3MTT initiative while strengthening local manufacturing through the use of locally assembled devices” .

Tijani also linked the programme to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic vision, saying: “When he said he wants to create a $1 trillion economy, there’s no other way to create that economy but what we’re here to launch today” . He noted that access to affordable credit is fundamental to economic transformation and commended the President and CREDICORP for driving the initiative forward .

Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, described the scheme as a game-changer that transforms digital devices “from a barrier into an opportunity” by embedding affordable consumer credit into a national talent programme .

“C.L.I.C.K.D. transforms digital devices from a barrier into an opportunity. By embedding affordable consumer credit into a national talent programme like 3MTT, starting with locally assembled laptops, we are giving qualifying Nigerians a responsible pathway to the tools they need to learn, work and earn, while advancing the federal government’s vision for industrial development and job creation on both sides,” Nwagba explained .

Nwagba further elaborated that the programme is specifically designed to equip beneficiaries with the tools they need to acquire in-demand technology skills, improve their learning experience, and strengthen their capacity to transition into meaningful employment or sustainable entrepreneurship . He noted that while Nigeria has made significant strides in improving internet connectivity and expanding digital skills training, access to affordable devices remains a major challenge that prevents many young people from fully participating in the digital economy and the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution .

CREDICORP has also announced that C.L.I.C.K.D. represents its flagship device financing programme and will subsequently be expanded beyond the 3MTT programme to cover other categories of internet-enabled devices and digital tools for working Nigerians nationwide . The corporation plans to collaborate with additional financial institutions, device manufacturers, technology vendors, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) , training institutions, and other key partners to scale access to affordable digital devices across the country in the coming years .

The programme is open to working Nigerians nationwide, with the 3MTT programme serving as the launch partner for this first phase. Interested and eligible individuals are encouraged to register through the official CREDICORP portal at www.credicorp.ng/clickd for more information and to begin the application process .

A major highlight of the launch event was the symbolic presentation of laptop computers to some of the 77 initial beneficiaries by Minister Bosun Tijani. The recipients expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the devices would significantly enhance their ability to participate in the 3MTT training programme and pursue their career aspirations .

The launch of the C.L.I.C.K.D. scheme marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a more inclusive and digitally empowered society. By combining digital skills training with affordable access to locally assembled devices, the government is not only equipping citizens with essential tools but also laying the foundation for a more prosperous, innovative, and connected nation. The programme’s emphasis on local manufacturing and responsible consumer credit further reinforces the administration’s commitment to industrial development, job creation, and economic diversification .

FG, CREDICORP Roll Out Laptop Credit Scheme for 3MTT Beneficiaries – 1,000 Devices Ready