FG to Punish Supervisors Approving Salaries for Japa Workers

In a firm move to combat fraud within the civil service, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the recovery of salaries paid to civil servants who have relocated abroad without formally resigning. He has also mandated punitive measures for their supervisors and department heads who enabled this malpractice.

The directive was issued during an award night organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to commemorate the 2024 Civil Service Week. Representing the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, expressed Tinubu’s dismay over the continued payment to “ghost workers.”

“I was particularly struck by the revelations the Head of the Civil Service shared 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,” Tinubu stated.

Tinubu emphasized the necessity for the government to recover the misappropriated funds and ensure disciplinary actions against those complicit in the fraud. He stressed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and efficiency of the civil service, despite the challenges faced by the sector.

Highlighting his administration’s efforts, Tinubu said, “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.”

The event, which also celebrated exemplary civil servants, featured the presentation of significant awards and prizes. Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, announced the top three prizes: a Brand New 2023 JAC JS4 Luxury Model SUV, a two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, and a serviced plot of land measuring 400 sqm. Additionally, 40 workers received N500,000 cash prizes each.

In a generous move, the Nigeria Customs Service committed to donating six Toyota Camry cars to support the 2024 Civil Service Week, which will be awarded to the next set of runner-up best-performing officers.