UK Cab Driver Reveals He’s Still Drawing Salary as Nigerian Civil Servant
A UK-based taxi driver, who left Nigeria two years ago, continues to receive a monthly salary from the Nigerian government as a junior official in a government agency.
Identified as Sabitu Adams by a BBC report, though his name was altered for privacy, the cab driver has not resigned from his Nigerian civil service position despite relocating.
Adams is among thousands of “ghost workers” in the Nigerian civil service—a term for individuals who continue to draw government salaries without performing any duties.
Each year, the Nigerian government conducts biometric verifications to identify ghost workers and publicizes the savings made by removing them from the payroll. However, arrests or prosecutions related to this fraud are rarely reported.
Last week, President Bola Tinubu issued a directive that civil servants drawing salaries from the Nigerian government after relocating abroad must refund the money.
Tinubu also mandated disciplinary action against the supervisors and department heads responsible for enabling such fraud.
Adams, speaking to the BBC, expressed little concern over the president’s directive, stating that he earns more as a taxi driver in the UK and is not worried about the potential consequences.
“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.
He admitted to not resigning from his Nigerian job in case he decides to return to it in the future. Adams revealed that he has an understanding with his boss in Nigeria, who is a relative, allowing him to continue receiving his salary despite his absence.
UK Cab Driver Reveals He’s Still Drawing Salary as Nigerian Civil Servant
