UK Taxi Driver Still Paid by Nigeria

  It would seem logical that your salary stops when you leave your job, but not for some former Nigerian civil servants. They have found employment elsewhere, sometimes in another country entirely, and continue to receive wages from their former positions.

Presidential Crackdown

  News of this reached the top, prompting President Bola Tinubu to order a crackdown. "The culprits must refund the money they have fraudulently collected," he said.

  Sabitu Adams, whose name is changed for privacy, has not resigned from his junior official position at a government agency and still receives a monthly salary, despite leaving Nigeria two years ago. Now a taxi driver in the UK, Adams is unconcerned about losing the salary, viewing Tinubu's comments as an empty threat.

  "When I heard about the president's directive, I smiled because I know I am doing better here - and not worried," said the 36-year-old, noting his Nigerian salary of 150,000 naira ($100; £80) is insignificant compared to his taxi earnings.

  Adams did not officially resign, keeping the door open for a possible return to his government job. "To be honest, I didn’t resign because I wanted to leave that door open in case I choose to go back to my job after a few years."

Mass Relocation

  More than 3.6 million Nigerians have relocated over the last two years, seeking better opportunities due to the collapsing value of the naira and economic challenges. This phenomenon is referred to as "japa," a Yoruba word meaning to escape or flee.

  President Tinubu expressed concern over revelations about employees drawing salaries while living abroad without formally resigning. He insisted on investigating and punishing those responsible for the fraud.

  Adams admits that his continued salary payments were facilitated by his department. "I had a good understanding with my boss, and he just let me leave," he explained. In many cases, the salary is shared between the quiet supervisor and the paid employee, sometimes involving an HR representative.

  For Adams, it was simpler. "In my case, it wasn’t like that as my boss was a relative."

Widespread Issue

  "Ghost-working" is a significant problem in Nigeria, with thousands of non-existent workers still being paid despite several crackdowns. This is the first time it has been suggested that those who have moved abroad continue to draw salaries on a large scale.

  Auwal Yakasai, a retired finance director from Kano state's information ministry, mentioned hearing about such cases. "To be honest, I have never caught anyone red-handed, but I have heard numerous stories of such arrangements," he told the BBC.

  Since taking office, President Tinubu has pledged to reduce government costs and wastage. He ordered a 60% reduction in official entourages for state and international events. However, critics argue there is much talk without substantial action, citing plans to buy new planes and expensive new official residences as examples.

  Despite his statements on the issue, President Tinubu has not detailed specific actions to crack down on foreign ghost-workers and hold those responsible accountable.