A taxi driver based in the UK, who left Nigeria two years ago, continues to receive a monthly salary from a government agency in Nigeria where he worked as a junior official. To protect his identity, the BBC changed his name in their report.
Despite now working as a taxi driver in the UK, Adams has not formally resigned from his position in Nigeria. He is one of many ghost workers in the Nigerian civil service.
Each year, the Nigerian government conducts biometric verifications to uncover ghost workers and reports on the savings made by removing them from the payroll. However, no arrests or prosecutions have been announced regarding these fraudulent activities.
Recently, President Bola Tinubu instructed that all civil servants who relocate abroad and continue to draw salaries from the Nigerian government must refund the money. He also ordered penalties for supervisors and department heads involved in facilitating such fraud during their tenure.
Adams, in response to the president’s directive, expressed little concern, noting that he earns better as a taxi driver in the UK. He stated, "When I heard about the president’s directive, I smiled because I know I am doing better here – and not worried."
The 36-year-old explained that he kept his job in Nigeria to keep his options open for potentially returning in the future. He mentioned having an understanding with his boss in Nigeria, who is a relative.
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