Ghost Workers: Federal Government Extends Workers’ Verification Deadline

The Federal Government has extended the deadline for workers’ verification from July 31 to August 15, 2024.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Civil servants are required to verify their identities on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) portal as part of efforts to halt salaries and impose penalties on ghost workers. Many civil servants have rushed to obtain their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), which, along with the IPPIS number and salary account number is necessary for verification.

An official notice about the extension was observed on Thursday. It stated:

“This is to inform Federal Government workers who receive their monthly salary through the treasury that the IPPIS verification portal has been extended to August 15, 2024. All federal employees are expected to complete their payroll information update by midnight on Thursday, August 15, 2024.”

A senior civil servant confirmed the extension, noting that the initial resistance from some workers, particularly in universities, likely prompted the new deadline.

President Bola Tinubu had previously directed that civil servants who continued to draw salaries while living abroad must refund the money. He also ordered penalties for their supervisors and department heads who facilitated the fraud.

During a recent visit to South Africa, President Tinubu addressed the issue, emphasizing that those responsible must be held accountable. He stressed that measures are in place to ensure restitution and that the appropriate actions will be taken against those involved in the fraudulent activities.