The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced a payroll verification exercise in Delta State aimed at eliminating ghost workers and sanitising the state’s wage bill.
The anti-graft agency has begun screening officials across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), starting with the Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, as part of a nationwide effort to tackle payroll fraud.
Oseji disclosed the development on Monday during a press briefing in Asaba to mark the 2026 Civil Service Week, themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results.”
She said EFCC operatives were reviewing payroll records, nominal rolls, and other personnel documents to detect irregularities in workforce management.
According to her, the commission informed the state government that it possesses the statutory authority to investigate suspected financial misconduct relating to public payrolls and is conducting similar exercises across other states.
Oseji revealed that she declined any preferential treatment and insisted on undergoing the same screening process as every other civil servant.
“I told them no. As the number one civil servant in the state, I must lead by example. I insisted on being screened,” she said.
She presented her first appointment letter, documents relating to the change from her maiden name, her official identity card, and her appointment letter as Head of Service.
“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 added.
Oseji noted that the audit aligns with Delta State’s drive for accountability and public service reform under the “Reforms, Resilience and Results” agenda, which includes strengthening digital systems and promoting merit-based appointments.
