Osun Staff Audit Sparks Controversy as NLC Rejects Ghost Worker Allegations

A recent staff audit commissioned by the Osun State Government has sparked intense debate following startling revelations suggesting the presence of hundreds of ‘ghost workers’ on the state’s payroll. Conducted between July and August 2023, the audit aimed to sanitize the public service structure, but it has instead triggered opposition from labour unions, particularly the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State chapter.

The audit, carried out by a private consultancy firm, involved physical verification of personnel, biometric data capturing, and scrutiny of employment credentials. Initially centralized at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo, the exercise was eventually decentralized to cover all nine federal constituencies across the state, allowing for broader participation and accessibility.

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Disturbing Audit Findings in Educational Institutions

Among the most controversial revelations were findings from two major academic institutions in the state — the Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa-Oke, and Osun State University, Osogbo (UNIOSUN).

At OSCOTECH, the audit report allegedly flagged around 280 out of approximately 300 staff members as ‘ghost workers’. This list, shockingly, included high-ranking officials such as the Rector, Deputy Rector, Registrar, and Bursar. An anonymous source within the institution, clearly shaken by the development, confirmed the widespread impact of the audit findings.

“About 280 members of staff were declared ghost workers, including the institution’s top administrators,” the source revealed. “We were completely taken aback, and many of us fear for our jobs despite having years of verifiable service.”

Similarly, the audit at UNIOSUN identified about 257 workers as either non-existent or lacking proper documentation. The figure reportedly included over 100 professors, casting a shadow on the integrity of staffing records within the university system and raising serious questions about administrative oversight.

NLC: “No Ghost Workers Exist in Osun”

Reacting swiftly, the Osun State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress vehemently dismissed the audit’s findings. In a strongly worded rebuttal, NLC State Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, challenged the credibility and intent of the audit.

Speaking to The PUNCH, Arapasopo stated, “The answer is straight — No ‘ghost workers’ for now. We are still auditing.” His comments suggest that the NLC views the consultant-led exercise as premature and possibly flawed, especially as internal verification processes by the unions are ongoing.

The NLC has long been skeptical of external audits, citing historical instances where similar exercises led to job losses, salary delays, and emotional distress among genuine workers. Sources within the union allege that consultants may be motivated by financial gains tied to uncovering alleged payroll fraud, thus potentially compromising the integrity of their findings.

Government’s Silence Raises Eyebrows

Attempts to get an official response from the Osun State Government have so far yielded little. The Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina, did not respond to phone calls. In a terse message via text, he replied simply, “Request noted,” offering no further clarity on the state’s official position regarding the audit’s fallout.

This silence has fueled speculation and unease among civil servants and pensioners who participated in the verification process. While some staff members believe the audit could help streamline public service and eliminate inefficiencies, others worry it may be used to justify retrenchments or delay payments.

The lack of transparency also raises concerns about whether the state government will release a formal report on the audit or engage with labour unions and affected institutions to resolve discrepancies.

What’s at Stake?

The audit controversy comes at a critical time when the Osun State Government is working to manage its wage bill amid mounting economic pressures. With civil service wages and pensions accounting for a significant portion of recurrent expenditure, the administration’s quest to sanitize the payroll system may be seen as an attempt to boost fiscal efficiency.

However, for the effort to gain public support, it must be rooted in fairness, transparency, and accuracy. Allegations of ‘ghost workers’ — especially when they involve respected academics and top-level administrators — demand rigorous validation, not just consultant recommendations.

Labour unions are now calling for a joint verification committee involving government representatives, union leaders, and independent observers to reassess the audit findings and protect the interests of innocent workers.

As Osun State grapples with this delicate situation, the credibility of its public service reform agenda hangs in the balance. A misstep could erode trust, disrupt service delivery, and deepen labour tensions — outcomes the state can ill afford.