The Nigerian Federal Government has announced that salaries for unverified workers within the Federal Civil Service will be halted by March 2026. This decision is a result of the ongoing Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA Project), which commenced in 2025 as part of reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the public service. The memo detailing this decision was issued by Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service, and is addressed to the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa.

The PASGA Project was initiated under the directive of President Bola Tinubu during the 2025 International Civil Service Week, signifying a strategic move to ensure that public service roles are filled by individuals with the requisite skills and competencies. The overarching goal is to optimize the workforce within the civil service and eliminate ghost workers – a term used to describe employees who are on the payroll without being actual employees of the government.

This audit and the consequent salary cessation reflect the Nigerian government's commitment to reforming its civil service framework, aiming to boost transparency and accountability. By setting a March 2026 cutoff, the government intends to enforce its directives effectively and move towards a more reliable and competent civil service structure, thereby improving public trust and operational efficiency.