FEC: 600 Housing Units Approved for Armed Forces as Government Targets Ghost Workers

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the provision of about 600 housing units in Abuja for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, as part of efforts to improve military welfare and address accommodation challenges within the service.

The housing initiative was highlighted during discussions on recent FEC decisions covering infrastructure, education, military welfare and public-sector reforms.

The development comes as the government faces increasing calls to improve the welfare and morale of military personnel serving in challenging security environments across the country.

Analysts, however, cautioned that providing accommodation alone may not sufficiently address the broader welfare and institutional challenges confronting the armed forces.

They argued that government must also strengthen remuneration, healthcare, pensions, working conditions and other welfare mechanisms to ensure that personnel and their families are adequately supported.

The government is also intensifying efforts to tackle ghost workers and fraudulent payroll practices across the public service.

The move is expected to strengthen payroll verification and ensure that public funds are paid only to legitimate employees.

Analysts said identifying and sanctioning those responsible for fraudulent practices is crucial to making the reforms effective.

They stressed that government systems must not only identify irregularities but also ensure that individuals responsible are held accountable.

According to them, punishment for wrongdoing is essential to creating a deterrent, as repeated investigations without consequences could undermine public confidence in government reforms.

The latest measures come amid broader efforts by the Federal Government to tighten financial controls, improve public-sector efficiency and ensure that government resources are directed towards genuine beneficiaries.

The success of the initiatives, however, will ultimately depend on effective implementation, transparency and accountability.