President Bola Tinubu has ordered the recovery of salaries paid to civil servants who have relocated abroad while continuing to draw salaries from the government.
The President also mandated disciplinary action against the supervisors and department heads who facilitated this fraudulent activity.
The directive was issued on Saturday during the award night organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), held to commemorate the 2024 Civil Service Week. The event aimed to honor outstanding civil servants in core ministries for their exemplary service.
President Tinubu, represented by Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), expressed strong disapproval of the actions of these “ghost workers.” He emphasized the need for those involved to refund the money they have illegitimately collected.
“The actions of these individuals not only undermine the integrity of our civil service but also represent a significant financial loss to the government,” President Tinubu stated. “We will not tolerate such misconduct, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
During his address, President Tinubu also highlighted the broader implications of such fraudulent activities, noting that they erode public trust and impede the government’s ability to deliver essential services. He called on all civil servants to uphold the highest standards of honesty and professionalism.
The award night celebrated the achievements of dedicated civil servants, with several individuals recognized for their exceptional contributions to their respective ministries. The President’s directive, however, served as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges within the civil service and the need for continued vigilance against corruption.
The HOCSF has been tasked with implementing the President’s directive, ensuring that all fraudulent payments are recovered and that those responsible, including supervisory personnel, face appropriate disciplinary actions.
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