PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed that all civil servants drawing salaries from the government after relocating abroad should be made to refund the money.
The President also directed that the supervisors and department heads of the culprits must also be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch.
Tinubu’ gave the directive on Saturday, June 22, at the award night organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) to commemorate this year’s Civil Service Week and also to honour some outstanding civil servants in core ministries.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President expressed dismay over the attitude of the ghost workers, adding: “During my recent visit to South Africa, I kept abreast of the week’s activities.
“I was particularly struck by the revelations shared by the Head of the Civil Service regarding employees who had relocated abroad while drawing salaries without formally resigning.
“It is heartening to hear that measures have been taken to address this issue, but we must ensure those responsible are held accountable and restitution is made.
“The culprits must be made to refund the money they have fraudulently collected. Their supervisors and department heads must also be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch.”
He reiterated that government would take appropriate measures to ensure they were punished and the money refunded to government treasury.
While acknowledging the challenges in the civil service sector, the President reiterated his commitment to address them for optimal performance, saying: “Our administration acknowledges the challenges the civil service is facing.
“I want to give you the assurance that we are committed to ensuring the welfare and development of all civil servants to deliver optimal performance for the growth of our nation.
“Over the past year, I have provided all the necessary support to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to ensure the continued stability of the civil service.
“I also supported the office in implementing far-reaching policies and reforms capable of improving efficiency and service delivery.
“Also, within the last year, our administration approved the implementation of the civil service reforms in the Federal Capital Territory Administration. With this development, the FCT Administration now has its civil service commission, Head of Service and six permanent secretaries. Now, the workers can aspire to reach the pinnacle of their careers before retiring.”
Tinubu said that the week-long event has provided his administration an opportunity not just to celebrate the achievements of the service but also reflect on what it can do better, even as he expressed satisfaction that the Federal Civil Service is driving a strategic plan that is aligned with the priorities of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President said the plan prioritises Capacity Building and Talent Management through which well-structured training such as the LEAD-P and SMAT-P are conducted, in addition to other structures put in place to promote a culture of innovation in the service.
He commended the dedication of the head of the civil service of the federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, for steering these reforms aimed at creating a world-class service that upholds meritocracy and excellence.
Tinubu tasked ministers, permanent secretaries and chief executives to make haste in implementing these reforms within their respective ministries, while also demanding urgency in delivery on the Renewed Hope Agenda without compromising due process.
“Due process must be followed in conducting government business, but that should not give room for any form of red- tapes or insistence on unnecessary bureaucracies.
“We have pledged to work for the Nigerian people, and it is critical that all civil servants, and indeed all public servants, recognise the key role they must play in the achievement of our national potential,” he said.
