EFCC Screens Delta Head of Service, Launches Payroll Audit to Uncover Ghost Workers

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced a comprehensive verification exercise in Delta State’s civil service, screening the state’s Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, alongside personnel across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of efforts to eliminate ghost workers and strengthen payroll integrity.

Dr. Oseji disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Asaba to mark the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration themed, “Reforms, Resilience and Results.”

According to her, operatives of the anti-graft agency are auditing payroll records, nominal rolls and other personnel documents in a statewide exercise aimed at detecting irregularities in public service administration.

She explained that the EFCC informed the Delta State Government that similar verification exercises were ongoing in several states across the country as part of investigations into possible payroll fraud and administrative misconduct within the public sector.

The Head of Service revealed that although EFCC officials offered to exempt her from the screening process because of her position, she declined the gesture and insisted on participating.

“As the number one civil servant in the state, I must lead by example. I insisted on being screened,” she said.

Dr. Oseji stated that she presented all required documents, including her first appointment letter, records relating to her change of name, official identification card and appointment letter as Head of Service.

She added that the EFCC officials expressed satisfaction with the documents submitted and that no adverse issues had been raised since the commencement of the exercise.

“So far, we have not received any complaints. I am regularly briefed by the officer assigned to accompany the EFCC team throughout the exercise,” she noted.

Beyond the verification exercise, the Head of Service reaffirmed the Delta State Civil Service’s commitment to institutional reforms aimed at improving efficiency and accountability.

She said the state government remains focused on promoting professionalism, patriotism, integrity, innovation and service excellence across the public service.

According to her, ongoing reforms are targeted at modernising service delivery through enhanced digital infrastructure, improved inter-agency collaboration, merit-based appointments and greater inclusiveness in the civil service.

The EFCC’s verification exercise is expected to strengthen transparency in personnel management and support efforts to eliminate ghost workers from government payrolls across the state.