Corruption, along with the prevalence of ghost workers and an over-bloated workforce, drains financial resources and reduces the efficiency of public service delivery in Nigeria.
Nigeria's civil service, a crucial component of the country's governance structure, has long been burdened by inefficiencies and systemic challenges that have significant repercussions on its economic and social fabric. Among the most pressing issues is the problem of an over-bloated workforce, particularly the prevalence of ghost workers – a situation that not only drains financial resources but also undermines the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.
The
ghost worker phenomenon in Nigeria is not a new problem, but its persistence
and scale have brought it to the forefront of national discourse. Ghost workers
are fictitious individuals who are listed on government payrolls, allowing
corrupt officials to divert public funds. This practice has severe implications
for the country's financial stability. For instance, a report by the Nigerian
Senate in 2016 highlighted the enormity of this issue, uncovering that the
government was paying salaries to over 23,000 non-existent employees, costing
Nigeria around ₦10 billion (approximately
$8.3 million) every month. This staggering figure was further compounded in a
2018 report by the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS),
which identified over 80,000 ghost workers, translating to an annual loss of
about ₦128 billion.
The
impact of this financial drain is manifold. On the one hand, it depletes funds
that could have been allocated to critical areas such as healthcare, education,
and infrastructure development. On the other hand, it contributes to the inefficiency
of the civil service, as resources meant for the development and training of
actual employees are misappropriated. This misallocation of resources is one of
the contributing factors to the lackluster performance of various government
agencies in service delivery.
Addressing
this issue is complex, particularly given Nigeria's experience with
technological solutions in governance. Proposals to implement modern systems
like biometric verification for personnel management have been met with
skepticism. This skepticism is rooted in past experiences, such as the
manipulation of the Result Viewing Portal (IReV) technology by the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 presidential election.
Such incidents erode public trust in the government's ability to implement
technology-based solutions without manipulation or corruption. In addition, the
problem of an over-bloated civil service is compounded by the existence of
numerous federal agencies with overlapping functions. This redundancy not only
leads to inefficiency but also contributes to the unnecessary expansion of the
civil service. The operation of multiple agencies with similar mandates results
in a duplication of efforts and a waste of resources, further straining the
country's limited financial resources. Calls for agency mergers and the
scrapping of redundant entities have been growing louder, suggesting a need for
a thorough review and rationalization of the functions and mandates of these
agencies.
The
Road to Reform
The
journey towards reforming Nigeria's civil service is intricate and
multi-faceted, demanding a concerted effort that addresses the root causes of
its inefficiencies. The deeply entrenched problems of ghost workers,
corruption, technological shortcomings,
and bureaucratic redundancy have created a labyrinth of challenges that hinder
the nation's progress. To navigate this complex terrain, a comprehensive
strategy is essential, one that incorporates technological innovation, fosters
transparency and accountability, and restructures the civil service
strategically.
Embracing
technological innovation is a critical first step. Modernizing the civil
service through technology, particularly in personnel management, is
imperative. Implementing systems like biometric verification can significantly
reduce the incidence of ghost workers. However, the success of such
technologies hinges on their integrity and the trust they inspire among the
populace. Lessons must be learned from past experiences, such as the 2023
electoral commission’s manipulation of technology, to ensure that new systems
are tamper-proof and reliable. This requires not only state-of-the-art
technology but also robust safeguards and transparent operational protocols.
Equally
crucial is the cultivation of a culture of transparency and accountability
within the civil service. The issue of ghost workers and the misappropriation
of funds is a glaring symptom of a deeper malaise – a lack of accountability.
To combat this, stringent measures must be put in place. These could include
regular audits, the establishment of independent oversight bodies, and the
implementation of strict penalties for corruption. Moreover, creating channels
for public reporting and whistleblower protection can encourage the exposure
and correction of malpractices.
The
redundancy and overlap of functions across various government agencies call for
a strategic restructuring of the civil service. This involves a thorough
evaluation of all agencies to identify areas of overlap and inefficiency. The
consolidation of agencies with similar functions, or the elimination of
redundant ones, could streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve service
delivery. Such restructuring should be guided by a clear understanding of each
agency’s role and the overall objectives of the civil service.
Beyond
these measures, there is a need to shift towards a merit-based civil service
system. This means ensuring that recruitment, promotion, and rewards within the
civil service are based on merit, competence, and performance. A meritocratic
system not only enhances efficiency but also boosts morale among civil
servants, leading to better service delivery.
Public
engagement and sensitization are equally vital in this reform process. The
Nigerian populace must be informed about the changes being implemented and the
reasons behind them. Public support and understanding can greatly facilitate
the reform process, ensuring smoother implementation and sustainability.
The
fundamental lesson here is that by integrating technological innovation with a
commitment to transparency and accountability, strategically restructuring the
civil service, promoting a meritocratic system, and engaging the public,
Nigeria can construct a more efficient, transparent, and effective civil
service. Such reforms are not just about improving administrative efficiency;
they are critical for enhancing the nation's economic stability and reducing
poverty. The road to reform is undoubtedly challenging, but it is a path that
Nigeria must embark on to realize its full potential as a nation.
Notes
Agbaje, W. H., & Igbekoyi, O. E. (2018). Payroll Fraud
and Profit Performance: An Assessment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s)
in Nigeria. Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 9(6), 85-93. Retrieved
12 23, 2023, from https://iiste.org/journals/index.php/rjfa/article/view/41575
Elechi, P. (2019). Improved Ghost Worker Fraud Detection
System Using Artificial Neural Network. Retrieved 12 23, 2023, from
https://jeeeccs.net/index.php/journal/article/view/124/98
Faboyede, O. S., Mukoro, D. O., & Oyewo, B. (2013). The
Roles of Forensic Accounting in Vision 2020 Goals Delivery via Public Sector
Competitiveness: A Focus on Nigeria. Retrieved 12 23, 2023, from
http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/4517
Peters, E. O. (2019). Accounting Systems and Ghost Workers Syndrome in Nigeria. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Review, 9(1). Retrieved 12 23, 2023, from
http://ijsshr.com/journal/index.php/ijsshr/article/view/481
Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
(2019). Reducing Cost of Governance. Retrieved from The Presidency -
RMAFC: https://rmafc.gov.ng/2019/11/reducing-cost-of-governance/
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