President Bola Tinubu has directed that civil servants who have relocated abroad but continue to receive salaries from the government must refund the funds.
The President gave this directive at the 2024 Civil Service Week award night, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, to recognize outstanding civil servants in core ministries.
According to sources, many civil servants have been collecting salaries despite living outside the country, some for several years. The government aims to recover millions of naira in salaries paid to these absentee workers.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President 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.
He reiterated that the government would take appropriate measures to ensure they were punished and the money refunded to the government treasury.
The President acknowledged the challenges in the civil service sector and reiterated his commitment to address 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 News Agency of Nigeria reports other activities to mark the night were the presentation of the top three prizes to the winners and additional N500,000 cash prizes to 40 workers.
Making the presentation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, the HOCSF announced the top three prizes won by three lucky officers at the event.
“The Star Prize is a Brand New 2023 JAC JS4 Luxury Model SUV; the second is a 2 Bedroom semi-detached bungalow; and“the third top prize is a serviced plot of land measuring 400 sqm.
“I am also pleased to announce that the Nigeria Customs Service has graciously committed to donating six Toyota Camry Cars in support of the 2024 Civil Service Week.
“The office has started receiving the vehicles, and these will be presented as prizes to the next set of runner-up best-performing officers,” she said.
