𝗢𝘀𝘂𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗡13𝗯𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺, 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

The Osun State Government has dismissed allegations of a ₦13 billion payroll fraud, describing the claims as misleading and accusing a private consultant of deliberately inflating figures linked to supposed “ghost workers” in the state’s civil service.

In a statement issued by government officials, the administration said recent reports suggesting massive payroll irregularities were inaccurate and failed to reflect the findings of its internal verification processes. According to the state, ongoing payroll audits were designed to enhance transparency and block leakages — not to confirm the existence of a large-scale fraud as alleged.

The government specifically alleged that the consultant involved in the exercise exaggerated numbers to justify a proposed commission reportedly worth about ₦2 billion. Officials argued that the consultant’s figures were inconsistent with verified staff records and lacked supporting documentation.

Authorities maintained that while routine audits may uncover minor discrepancies, there was no evidence to support claims of a ₦13 billion fraud. They added that the state has continued to implement biometric verification, staff validation, and digital payroll systems aimed at eliminating irregular payments.

Osun officials also warned against the spread of unverified information, saying sensational claims could create unnecessary anxiety among workers and the public. The government insisted that civil servants’ salaries and entitlements remain protected and that due process would guide any disciplinary actions if genuine infractions are discovered.

The controversy comes amid broader national scrutiny of payroll systems across Nigerian states, where several governments have intensified efforts to tackle ghost-worker schemes and improve fiscal accountability. Observers say the situation in Osun highlights the growing tension between anti-corruption audits and the role of external consultants in public sector reforms.

For now, the state government says it remains open to independent review but stands by its position that the alleged ₦13 billion payroll fraud claim is unfounded.