Corruption Exposed: UK-Based Driver Receives Nigerian Civil Service Salary

Ghost Worker Scandal - Civil Society Demands Action

Outrage erupts over UK-based taxi driver receiving Nigerian government salary despite relocating in 2022. Civil society organizations demand action against corruption and call for accountability, refund of fraudulently collected funds, and urgent reform in the civil service.

Outrage erupted on Sunday, June 30, over a UK-based taxi driver who shockingly continued to receive a salary from the Federal Government despite relocating to the United Kingdom in 2022.

Civil society organizations expressed outrage on the same day, decrying the incident as a stark example of the entrenched corruption within the Nigerian civil service. They demanded swift action to address this blatant abuse of public funds.

President Bola Tinubu had recently ordered a crackdown on civil servants who were still receiving salaries despite having moved abroad, and this case highlighted the urgent need for decisive action.

The incident sparked widespread anger and calls for accountability, with many demanding that those responsible for this egregious breach of trust be held accountable.

“The culprits must be made to refund the money they have fraudulently collected,” he said.

A shocking discovery revealed that Sabitu Adams, a 36-year-old Nigerian civil servant, continued to receive a monthly salary of N150,000 from his government job in Nigeria despite relocating to the United Kingdom in 2022 and now working as a taxi driver.

Adams, who preferred to remain anonymous, confessed to receiving the salary, citing an arrangement with his supervisor. This revelation sparked outrage and raised questions about the lack of accountability and corruption within the Nigerian civil service.

The case of Adams, who was still receiving a government salary while working abroad, highlighted the need for urgent reform and a crackdown on ghost workers and corrupt practices in the civil service.

President Bola Tinubu's recent directive to tackle this issue gained momentum with this expose, putting pressure on the government to take decisive action against those involved in this fraudulent scheme.

He said, “When I heard about the President's directive, I smiled because I know I am doing better here - and not worried.”

He justified his decision to retain his Nigerian civil service job despite moving to the UK, hoping to potentially return to Nigeria after an extended period abroad and resume his role.

“To be honest, I didn't resign because I wanted to leave that door open in case I choose to go back to my job after a few years,” he said.

Civil society organizations swiftly responded to the case of the UK-based driver, stressing the urgent need for stringent measures to restore accountability and efficiency within the civil service. They demanded decisive action to address the issue of unauthorized salary payments and called for the prosecution of individuals involved in this corrupt practice.

The organizations emphasized that tackling corruption and ensuring transparency in the civil service is crucial for Nigeria's progress. They urged the government to take bold steps to address this issue, including implementing robust measures to prevent similar cases and holding accountable those responsible for the misuse of public funds.

The call to action by civil society organizations aimed to prompt the government to take concrete steps towards reforming the civil service and eradicating corruption. By advocating for accountability and transparency, they sought to ensure that public resources are utilized effectively and for the benefit of all Nigerians.