During an award night on Saturday to celebrate the 2024 Civil Service Week, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, President Bola Tinubu gave a directive that all civil servants drawing salaries from the government after relocating abroad should be made to refund the money.
He also ordered that supervisors and department heads of the offenders should be punished for assisting the fraud under their watch.
During the event to honor some outstanding civil servants in core ministries, the president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, expressed dismay over the attitude of the ghost workers.
“During my recent visit to South Africa, I kept abreast of the week’s activities.
“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.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The president further reiterated that the government would take proper steps to ensure culprits were penalized and the money refunded to the government treasury.
He acknowledged the problems the civil service sector poses and further expressed his commitment to addressing them for optimal performance.
“Our administration acknowledges the challenges the civil service is facing.
“I want to assure you 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, ” the President said.
The event also featured other activities such as presenting the top three prizes to the winners and an additional N500,000 cash prizes to 40 workers, with the HOCSF, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan making the presentation of the top three prizes won by three lucky officers.
A brand new 2023 JAC JS4 Luxury Model SUV, a two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, and a serviced plot of land measuring 400 sqm were the top three prizes respectively.
Dr. Yemi-Esan also announced that the Nigeria Customs Service has graciously committed to donating six Toyota Camry cars in support of the 2024 Civil Service Week.
