Adams is one of thousands of ghost workers—a pervasive issue in the Nigerian civil service. Each year, the government conducts biometric verifications and reports on ghost workers and money saved, but arrests or prosecutions are rarely announced.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu ordered that all civil servants drawing salaries from the government after relocating abroad should refund the money. He also directed that the supervisors and department heads of these culprits be punished for their involvement in the fraud.

Adams told newsmen he was unconcerned about the president’s directives because he earns more as a taxi driver in the UK. “When I heard about the president’s directive, I smiled because I know I am doing better here – and not worried,” the 36-year-old said.

Adams admitted he did not resign from his Nigerian job “in case I choose to go back after a few years.” He revealed he had an arrangement with his boss in Nigeria, who is a relative.