AGS NEWS – A UK-based taxi driver who left Nigeria two years ago continues to receive a monthly salary from the Nigerian government, despite now working outside the country.

Sabitu Adams, whose name was changed by a BBC report to protect his identity, remains employed as a junior official at a government agency in Nigeria. He has not formally resigned from his position.

Adams, like many others, is part of the phenomenon of ghost workers in the Nigerian civil service, where individuals receive salaries without performing duties or being present for work.

Although the government conducts biometric verifications annually to uncover such cases and publicizes the savings made by eliminating ghost workers, there have been no reported arrests or prosecutions for the fraudulent activity.

ALSO READ: United Kingdom appoints new high commissioner to Nigeria

Recently, President Bola Tinubu directed that civil servants found to be drawing salaries while residing abroad should repay the money. He also ordered sanctions for supervisors and department heads who facilitated such fraud during their tenure.

Adams, however, expressed nonchalance towards the president’s directive, stating to the BBC that he earns better as a taxi driver in the UK and isn’t concerned about repercussions.

He mentioned maintaining his job in Nigeria without officially resigning in case he decides to return in the future, noting an arrangement with his relative who is his boss in Nigeria.