By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a comprehensive forensic audit of IPPIS and Federal Government agencies to identify ghost workers, fake agencies, payroll fraud and control failures. Tinubu directed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to coordinate the exercise after the Federal Executive Council acted on ICPC findings on August 19, 2026.
Tinubu Orders Forensic Audit of Government Systems
The audit will cover the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and other government platforms.
It will also review personnel, payroll, pension and financial management systems.
Furthermore, the exercise will assess the administration and internal controls of Federal Government institutions.
The review aims to determine the nature and scale of weaknesses within government systems.
It will also establish how individuals or entities may have exploited those weaknesses.
Audit to Investigate Ghost Workers and Payroll Fraud
The first part of the exercise will focus on government systems.
In particular, auditors will examine IPPIS and related payroll and personnel platforms.
They will investigate reported cases involving ghost workers and payroll fraud.
The team will also reconcile figures identified by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In addition, auditors will trace how fictitious or ineligible persons entered government payroll systems.
They will examine identity, biometric and bank account verification controls.
The audit will also review user access and other security measures.
Government Platforms Under Review
The exercise will examine links between IPPIS and other government platforms.
These platforms include the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
They also include Remita, the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Sub-TSA systems.
Auditors will determine whether system defects contributed to fraudulent activities.
They will also examine process failures and weak segregation of duties.
Moreover, the review will identify cases where individuals deliberately bypassed established controls.
Federal Agencies and Government Bodies to Face Review
The second part will cover Federal Government agencies and other public institutions.
The review will include departments, commissions, councils and parastatals.
It will also cover other government bodies operating under the Federal Government.
The audit team will establish a definitive inventory of these institutions.
It will also verify the legal foundation of each entity.
Furthermore, auditors will examine how government bodies obtain official recognition.
They will review access to budgets, government correspondence and office facilities.
The team will also assess access to government systems and public resources.
Audit to Strengthen Government Accountability
The exercise will assess governance and procurement controls across government institutions.
It will also review internal audit and oversight systems.
These measures will help identify loopholes that may support fraud.
They will also prevent irregular entities and individuals from accessing public funds.
Therefore, the audit aims to strengthen government controls and improve institutional accountability.
Tinubu Demands Independent and Professional Audit
President Tinubu directed the audit team to maintain the highest standards.
He also demanded independence, professionalism and forensic integrity throughout the exercise.
The team will access relevant government records and digital systems.
It will also work with the ICPC during the review.
This collaboration will ensure that the audit supports ongoing investigations, prosecutions and asset recoveries.
Audit Targets Systemic Government Weaknesses
President Tinubu expects the exercise to go beyond individual cases of fraud.
Instead, the audit will address weaknesses across the government system.
It will strengthen data verification and reconciliation processes.
It will also reinforce accountability across Federal Government institutions.
Additionally, the exercise will help ensure only eligible personnel receive government funds.
Only legally constituted entities should also access government resources and systems.
Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency
The comprehensive forensic audit reflects Tinubu’s push for stronger fiscal governance.
It also reinforces his commitment to transparency and institutional integrity.
The exercise could help close systemic loopholes across the Federal Government.
Ultimately, the review aims to build stronger and more accountable government systems.
