President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive forensic audit of the Federal Government’s payroll and personnel systems, following intelligence from the anti-graft agency on widespread irregularities including ghost workers and unauthorised agencies.
The directive, announced on Friday, tasks the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, with overseeing the exercise, which will scrutinise the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, better known as IPPIS, along with all Federal Government agencies, departments, and parastatals.
The decision comes on the heels of a Federal Executive Council resolution passed on August 19, triggered by findings from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. The ICPC had uncovered what it described as “fake agencies” drawing public funds, ghost workers on the payroll, and significant control failures across multiple government platforms.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the audit will be carried out in two phases. The first will focus on IPPIS and related financial management systems, including GIFMIS, Remita, and the Treasury Single Account. Investigators will examine how fictitious personnel were enrolled, review biometric and bank verification controls, and determine whether the fraud stemmed from system flaws, weak processes, or deliberate manipulation.
The second phase will establish a definitive inventory of all Federal agencies and verify their legal status. It will also assess how entities obtain official recognition, budget allocations, office space, and access to government systems.
“The exercise will establish the nature and extent of weaknesses in Government’s control system, and determine how such weaknesses have been exploited,” the Presidency said.
President Tinubu has directed that the audit be conducted with the highest standards of independence and forensic integrity. The team will have full access to government records and will collaborate with the ICPC to support ongoing investigations and recoveries.
The President made it clear that the goal is not merely to catch offenders but to strengthen the entire government architecture. He expects the review to close systemic loopholes, improve data verification and reconciliation, and reinforce accountability across the board.
“This exercise underscores the President’s commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, fiscal governance and institutional integrity across the Federal Government,” the statement added.
The audit team is expected to begin work immediately, though no timeline has been given for the submission of its final report.
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