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Japa: UK-based Nigerian continues receiving salary in Nigeria two years after relocating
According to a male Nigerian civil servant who departed for the UK in 2022, he continues to get his monthly wage even if he doesn't show up for work.
Due to the sensitivity of the situation, the 36-year-old UK taxi driver—who will only be addressed as Daniel—told the BBC that he is paid N150,000 a month from his Nigerian employer, all because of an understanding between him and his supervisor.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has threatened to take action against its nationals who had moved overseas and were still paid.
On Saturday, June 22, 2024, President Bola Tinubu expressed his dismay at the information revealed by the Federation's Head of Civil Service about workers who had moved abroad while drawing salaries without formally resigning, ordered that the “culprits must be made to refund the money they have fraudulently collected.”
"Those responsible are held accountable and restitution is made," Tinubu declared, adding that his administration will see to it that "their supervisors and department heads are punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch."
As long as they receive their compensation without joining the country's civil service, non-government employees will continue to receive free money.
In certain other instances, individuals who have left their positions with the government or moved abroad continue to get the tranche.
Daniel, a junior officer in a government agency, was unconcerned by the President's order, pointing out that his pay from the government is less than what he now makes in the UK.
"I smiled when I heard about the president's directive because I know I am doing better here and I'm not worried," he remarked.
Daniel responded that he believed he would likely return after a few years overseas when questioned why he had refused to quit from his work after moving abroad.
"It's not that I resigned; I just wanted to leave that option open in case I decide to return to my job after a few years," he shot back.
Daniel is one of many Nigerians who have moved overseas but continue to get their monthly salary from the Federal Government's coffers.
Dr. Dasuki Arabi, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, revealed in June 2022 that over 70,000 ghost workers had been identified and removed from the public service system thanks to the Federal Government's support of the Integration Personnel and Payroll Information System.
Arabi continued by saying that since the Treasury Single Account was completely implemented by the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the government had saved at least N220 billion and N10 trillion.
Daniel stated, "I had a good understanding with my boss and he just let me leave," demonstrating how much he has been enjoying the "free money" he hasn't been working for for the previous two years.
Ghost workers typically negotiate out agreements with their managers to hide their activities, after which they split the pay.
However, for Daniel, it’s a different ball game as he said, “In my case, it wasn’t like that as my boss was a relative.”