[Nigeria] Enugu State finds 2,640 ghost employees and deceased pensioners on payroll

In Nigeria, The Enugu State government has identified 2,640 ghost and deceased pensioners on its payroll, as it moves forward with efforts to clean up the pension system, The Street Journal reports.

The discovery formed part of the broader initiative led by the administration of Governor Peter Mbah to address pension-related challenges and clear outstanding obligations inherited from previous administrations. 

Commenting on the discovery, Professor Chidiebere Onyia - Secretary to the State Government (SSG) - said the state had initiated the payment of pensions to local government retirees. 

Professor Onyia reportedly said 7,000 pensioners have already received their entitlements, following the completion of a biometric verification process approved by Governor Mbah. 

“The governor had earlier committed to eradicating poverty in the state by addressing the backlog of pensions and other liabilities,” Professor Onyia said. “This move will improve the standard of living, boost purchasing power, and promote sustainable economic growth in Enugu State.” 

In July, 7,109 verified local government pensioners received nearly half a billion naira in monthly payments. Among them were 989 retirees not included in the pension scheme despite retiring between April 2022 and April 2024. 

Professor Onyia reportedly shared his concern over fraudulent activities uncovered during the verification process. 

Records from the Local Government Pensions Board indicated that more than 8,760 retirees were being paid as of April 2024, significantly more than the 7,109 verified pensioners. 

The SSG reportedly reiterated the state government’s commitment to clearing all pension arrears, emphasising that the adopted payment method would ensure the backlogs were phased out according to the government’s timeline. 

“We are dedicated to supporting our senior citizens who have served the state diligently,” Professor Onyia said. “This administration will phase out all inherited arrears, and we are implementing strong institutional policies to prevent corrupt practices in the pension system.” 

Source: The Street Journal

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Nigeria, The Enugu State government has identified 2,640 ghost and deceased pensioners on its payroll, as it moves forward with efforts to clean up the pension system, The Street Journal reports.

The discovery formed part of the broader initiative led by the administration of Governor Peter Mbah to address pension-related challenges and clear outstanding obligations inherited from previous administrations. 

Commenting on the discovery, Professor Chidiebere Onyia - Secretary to the State Government (SSG) - said the state had initiated the payment of pensions to local government retirees. 

Professor Onyia reportedly said 7,000 pensioners have already received their entitlements, following the completion of a biometric verification process approved by Governor Mbah. 

“The governor had earlier committed to eradicating poverty in the state by addressing the backlog of pensions and other liabilities,” Professor Onyia said. “This move will improve the standard of living, boost purchasing power, and promote sustainable economic growth in Enugu State.” 

In July, 7,109 verified local government pensioners received nearly half a billion naira in monthly payments. Among them were 989 retirees not included in the pension scheme despite retiring between April 2022 and April 2024. 

Professor Onyia reportedly shared his concern over fraudulent activities uncovered during the verification process. 

Records from the Local Government Pensions Board indicated that more than 8,760 retirees were being paid as of April 2024, significantly more than the 7,109 verified pensioners. 

The SSG reportedly reiterated the state government’s commitment to clearing all pension arrears, emphasising that the adopted payment method would ensure the backlogs were phased out according to the government’s timeline. 

“We are dedicated to supporting our senior citizens who have served the state diligently,” Professor Onyia said. “This administration will phase out all inherited arrears, and we are implementing strong institutional policies to prevent corrupt practices in the pension system.” 

Source: The Street Journal

(Quotes via original reporting)