Federal Government to Punish Supervisors Approving Salaries for Overseas Civil Servants
President Bola Tinubu has directed that civil servants who relocate abroad while still drawing salaries from the Nigerian government must refund the money received.
The President also ordered that supervisors and department heads complicit in approving these payments be punished for their roles in perpetrating the fraud.
The directive was issued on Saturday during the award night organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to commemorate the 2024 Civil Service Week.
The event, which also recognized outstanding civil servants from core ministries, was attended by government officials and stakeholders in the civil service sector.
Representing President Tinubu at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, conveyed the President’s displeasure over the discovery of civil servants drawing salaries while residing abroad without officially resigning from their positions.
“In recent discussions, particularly during my visit to South Africa, I was dismayed to learn about civil servants relocating abroad while still receiving salaries from our government,” President Tinubu stated through Akume.
He commended the measures already taken by the Head of the Civil Service to address the issue but emphasized the need for accountability and restitution.
“The culprits must refund the money they have fraudulently collected,” Tinubu declared, adding that their supervisors and department heads must face consequences for their role in enabling the fraud.
The President assured that appropriate punitive measures would be taken to ensure accountability and the recovery of misappropriated funds back into the government treasury.
Acknowledging the challenges within the civil service, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing welfare and development initiatives to optimize performance across all sectors.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to support the civil service through stability measures and policy reforms aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.
The award night also featured the presentation of prizes, including a Brand New 2023 JAC JS4 Luxury Model SUV as the Star Prize, a two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow, and a serviced plot of land measuring 400 sqm to lucky civil servants.
Additionally, the Nigeria Customs Service announced a donation of six Toyota Camry cars in support of the 2024 Civil Service Week.
Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, presided over the prize presentations, underscoring the importance of recognizing excellence and dedication within the civil service.
The directive by President Tinubu signals a stringent stance against financial misconduct within government ranks, aiming to uphold accountability and fiscal responsibility in public service operations.
