Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed that all civil servants drawing salaries from the government after relocating abroad should be made to refund 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.
At the award ceremony held by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Saturday to celebrate 2024 Civil Service Week, Tinubu issued the mandate.
A few exceptional government servants from key ministries were also honoured during the ceremony.
The President voiced his displeasure with the phantom workers’ attitude through George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
“During my recent visit to South Africa, I kept abreast of the week’s activities.
“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 in the civil service sector and reiterated his commitment to address them for optimal performance.
“Our administration acknowledges the challenges the civil service is facing.
“I want to assure you that we are committed to ensuring the welfare and development of all civil servants to deliver optimal performance for the growth of our nation.
“Over the past year, I have provided all the necessary support to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to ensure the continued stability of the civil service.
“I also supported the office in implementing far-reaching policies and reforms capable of improving efficiency and service delivery, ” the President said.
Earlier reports had it that other activities to mark the night were the presentation of the top three prizes to the winners and an additional N500,000 cash prizes to 40 workers.
Making the presentation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, the HOCSF announced the top three prizes won by three lucky officers at the event.
“The Star Prize is a Brand New 2023 JAC JS4 Luxury Model SUV; the second is a two-bedroom semi-detached bungalow; and the third top prize is a serviced plot of land measuring 400 sqm.
“I am also pleased to announce that the Nigeria Customs Service has graciously committed to donating six Toyota Camry cars in support of the 2024 Civil Service Week.
“The office has started receiving the vehicles, and these will be presented as prizes to the next set of runner-up best-performing officers,” she said.
