Dealing with payroll fraud has become a pressing issue for Nigerian startups following shocking revelations about Bento Africa, a fintech platform once hailed as a reliable solution for payroll processing, tax remittance, and pension management. Initially praised for streamlining operations, Bento’s reputation has crumbled amid allegations of financial malpractice, unremitted employee contributions, and systemic deception.
Bento Africa’s Downfall: From Trusted Partner to Alleged Fraudster
Founded to simplify payroll and compliance, Bento Africa positioned itself as a lifeline for startups navigating Nigeria’s complex tax and pension systems. However, recent claims suggest the platform exploited this trust. Matthew Ekeinde, CEO of Work Pillars, shared his ordeal: “They were fine for the first three months, but then discrepancies emerged. We noticed ₦200,000 missing from our account. While Bento returned the funds after escalation, the process was excruciating.”
Other businesses reported similar issues, alleging Bento collected millions in employee taxes and pensions but failed to remit them. Forged receipts compounded the crisis, leaving companies vulnerable to penalties, reputational damage, and strained employee relationships.
X (Twitter) Erupts With Allegations of Systemic Fraud
The scandal gained traction on X (formerly Twitter), where users like Sultan Akintunde exposed Bento’s practices: “They’ve been collecting millions from startups but remitting only ₦100 monthly to tax authorities. They’d forge receipts to hide the theft.” His thread went viral, prompting others to share their experiences.
Tomiwa, an X user, revealed: “My former employer used Bento for two years, but pensions and taxes were only paid sporadically—less than 12 months out of 24.” Another user lamented: “Bento faked our pension remittances. When we switched providers, the same happened. Only legal action resolved it.”
Legal Battles and Unresolved Debts
The financial fallout has escalated into legal disputes. An anonymous employer disclosed winning a court judgment against Bento for ₦6 million in unremitted pensions and ₦22 million in unpaid taxes. “We stayed quiet initially to avoid panic, but Bento’s refusal to comply forced us to act,” they said. Despite the ruling, payments remain outstanding, leaving businesses to shoulder unexpected liabilities.
Matthew Ekeinde described how regulatory audits exposed Bento’s discrepancies: “The government portal showed missing tax payments, even though Bento’s dashboard claimed compliance. We’re now resolving it directly with authorities—at extra cost.”
Employees Bear the Brunt: Pensions and Trust Erased
The human toll extends beyond businesses. Employees face uncertainty as missing pension contributions jeopardize retirement plans, while unremitted taxes risk legal repercussions. Akintunde warned: “Bento’s dashboard lies. Verify remittances directly with FIRS and PENCOM.”
One employer admitted: “Staff felt betrayed when they discovered missing pensions. It’s a breach of trust—not just by Bento, but by us as their employer.”
Forged Receipts and Institutional Deception
A pattern of forged documentation deepened the crisis. Ayodeji Ogundiran explained how Lagos State tax authorities (LIRS) uncovered fake receipts during spot checks: “Bento provided falsified 2023 and 2024 PAYE receipts. When PENCOM audited us, months of pension payments were missing.”
Employers also reported discrepancies in Bento’s pension records. “Their system showed remittances, but PENCOM had no record of them. We only realized the truth when compliance certificates were withheld,” a business owner revealed.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem
The Bento Africa payroll fraud scandal has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, raising questions about due diligence and regulatory oversight. Startups are now urged to audit payroll providers and prioritize transparency. Legal experts advise: “Verify remittances independently and demand real-time compliance certificates.”
Conclusion: Rebuilding Trust in Nigeria’s Fintech Space
The fallout from Bento Africa’s alleged payroll fraud underscores the vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s digital financial infrastructure. For startups, the lesson is clear: automation alone cannot replace accountability. As affected businesses pursue legal remedies, the incident serves as a stark reminder to prioritize ethical practices and rigorous audits in the quest for operational efficiency.