President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive forensic audit of Federal Government payroll systems and agencies following findings on fake agencies, ghost workers and other control failures.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, will oversee the exercise.

The directive follows a Federal Executive Council resolution of 19 August, after investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

The audit will cover two main areas. The first is a review of government systems, particularly the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System and related payroll, personnel, pension and financial platforms. It is expected to examine reported cases of ghost workers and payroll fraud, reconcile figures identified by the ICPC and review identity and account controls.

The second part will look at federal agencies, departments, commissions and parastatals, including their legal standing, recognition and access to government resources. Officials said the aim is to establish how control weaknesses were exploited and to close systemic loopholes so that only duly constituted entities and eligible personnel have access to public funds.

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