FG to Halt Salaries of Ghost Workers by March 2026

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that salaries for ghost workers will cease starting March 2026. This decision follows a personnel audit and skill gap analysis conducted across the federal civil service.

An official memo issued by the head of the civil service, signed by Tunji Olaopa, outlines that civil servants must complete a nationwide verification and skill assessment process. This process, part of the Public Service Reform initiated by President Bola Tinubu, began in 2025 and aims to ensure that qualified personnel are properly placed within the system.

The verification exercise will occur from February 16 to February 27, 2026, at designated locations in Abuja. Civil servants who fail to complete the required physical verification and online assessment within the approved timeframe will be deemed non-compliant, resulting in the stoppage of their salaries.

The memo emphasizes that non-compliant workers will face administrative procedures leading to termination under public service rules.