President Bola Tinubu has ordered that any government employees who get a salary after moving overseas must return the money.
The President further ordered that the offenders’ department directors and supervisors face consequences for their complicity in the fraud while they were in charge.
During the award ceremony hosted by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service Federation on Saturday to mark 2024 Civil Service Week,
Tinubu issued the mandate.
A few exceptional government servants from key ministries were also honored during the ceremony.
‘During my recent visit to South Africa, I kept abreast of the week’s activities,’ stated Tinubu,
represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The information disclosed by the Head of Civil Service concerning workers, who had moved overseas and continued to receive their pay without formally resigning particularly affected me.
‘The fact that steps are being taken to address this issue is encouraging, but we need to make sure that those who are at fault are held accountable and that compensation is given.’
‘The money that the offenders have wrongfully amassed’ must be returned.
According to Tinubu, ‘their department heads and supervisors must also be punished for encouraging and abetting the fraud while they were watching.’
He restated that all necessary steps would be taken by the government to ensure, that they were prosecuted and that the money was returned to the public coffers.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the issues facing the civil service sector for the best results.
‘The difficulties facing the civil service are recognized by our administration.
To provide the best performance possible for the advancement of our country, I want to reassure you that we are dedicated to guaranteeing the welfare and development of every civil servant.
‘For the past year, I have given the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation all the assistance required to guarantee the civil service’s continuous stability.
The president stated, ‘I also supported the office in implementing comprehensive policies and reforms capable of improving efficiency and service delivery.’
The top three prizes were awarded to the winners, and 40 employees received an additional N500,000 in cash prizes as part of the festivities.
Presenting the work, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the top three prizes that three fortunate officers earned during the event were revealed by HOCSF.
‘A brand-new, 2023 JAC JS4 luxury model SUV is the star prize; a two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow is the second; and a 400 square meter serviced plot of land is the third top prize.’
Additionally, I’m happy to report that, in honor of 2024 Civil Service Week, the Nigeria Customs Service has kindly agreed to donate six Toyota Camry cars.
The next group of runner-up, best-performing cops will receive these cars as awards, she added. ‘The vehicles are now being received by the office.’
According to NAN, Yemi-Esan, the Federal Government, was thanked by Dr. Mercy Ilori, a Ministry of Transportation staff member who received the star prize,
in honor of the other recipients for the gesture and the honor bestowed on them.
