President Bola Tinubu has directed that all civil servants who receive government salaries after relocating abroad be required to refund the money.
The President also directed that the culprits’ supervisors and department heads be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud while on their watch.
Tinubu issued the directive on Saturday at an award ceremony hosted by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to commemorate the 2024 Civil Service Week.
The event also aimed to recognize some outstanding civil servants from core ministries.
The President, accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, expressed concern about the ghost workers’ attitude.
“During my recent visit to South Africa, I kept track of the week’s events.”
“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 facing the civil service sector and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing them for optimal performance.
“Our administration recognizes the challenges that the civil service is facing.
“I want to assure you that we are committed to ensuring the welfare and development of all civil servants in order to provide optimal performance for our nation’s growth.
“Over the last year, I have provided all necessary support to the Federation’s Head of Civil Service to ensure the civil service’s long-term stability.
“I also assisted the office in implementing broad policies and reforms aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery,” the President stated.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
