President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive steps to combat corruption within Nigeria’s civil service by directing all civil servants who have moved abroad and continue to receive salaries to return the funds. This directive was issued during the Civil Service Week’s award night, an event organized by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, which also served as a platform to recognize outstanding civil servants.
Enforcing Accountability
During the event, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, President Tinubu expressed profound dismay at the persistence of ghost workers on the government payroll. He stressed that those who have relocated abroad yet continue to draw government salaries are undermining the economic fabric of the nation. “Such acts of deceit no longer have a place in our government. We will ensure that every penny taken fraudulently is returned,” Akume conveyed on behalf of the President.
The President’s directive does not stop at refunds; it extends to holding accountable the supervisors and department heads who have facilitated or turned a blind eye to these fraudulent practices. These officials are to face sanctions for their roles in aiding and abetting the payroll fraud. This move signifies a major step towards rectifying lax oversight and enforcing stringent measures within governmental operations.
The crackdown on salary fraud is part of a broader agenda to reform the civil service, aimed at boosting efficiency and integrity. Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, reiterated the administration’s commitment to enhancing the civil service. “Our focus is not only on penalizing misconduct but also on creating a robust system that rewards excellence and deters corruption,” she stated at the event.
Further illustrating the government’s commitment, the ceremony also recognized the exemplary performance of various civil servants. Top performers were awarded significant prizes, including a brand-new luxury SUV, a semi-detached bungalow, and plots of land, provided by supportive entities such as the Nigeria Customs Service, which donated additional vehicles to honor next-tier performers.
Looking Ahead: A More Accountable Civil Service
These measures are expected to instill a greater sense of responsibility and accountability among Nigeria’s civil servants. By tackling the issues of ghost workers and supervisory negligence head-on, the government aims to foster a culture of transparency and efficiency. As these reforms take hold, the hope is that the civil service will not only be purged of corruption but will also operate with heightened efficacy, serving as a cornerstone for national development.
As the policy takes effect, its implications for the civil service are anticipated to be profound, setting a precedent for other sectors of governance. The ongoing reforms underline the Tinubu administration’s resolve to overhaul government operations and ensure public funds are managed with the utmost integrity. However, this initiative marks a critical step forward in the fight against corruption, promising a more robust and accountable civil service moving forward.
Source: Vanguard
