FG probes civil servants earning salaries abroad — HoS

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, said on Monday that the investigation launched by the Federal Government to identify civil servants still receiving salaries after relocating abroad is ongoing.

While denying claims that the process has been abandoned, the HoS stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring those who have moved abroad in search of better opportunities are no longer benefiting from the system.

Walson-Jack made the statement at an event in Abuja marking her 100 days in office and a review of her tenure in the civil service.

This development comes five months after President Bola Tinubu ordered that civil servants who continue to receive government salaries after relocating abroad must refund the money.

The president also instructed that supervisors and department heads responsible for enabling such fraudulent practices be held accountable.

Walson-Jack confirmed that the investigation is still underway, and they are using the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to track workers’ movements.

She said, “You are asking about civil servants who may have ‘Japa’. We know that the issue was raised, and some verifications were carried out. Since then, some returned quickly, while others retired honourably.

“Right now, we are continuing the process, scrutinising the IPPIS payroll to identify those who are still in the country and those who are not. This will be an ongoing process to ensure that people cannot receive salaries while living abroad.”

She added, “Some progress has been made, and we will continue to monitor the situation until it is fully addressed.”
Walson-Jack also thanked her staff for their tremendous support and praised the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ for making her first 100 days in office a smooth experience.

“The first 100 days in office is a significant milestone. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made, assess progress, and set goals for the future,” she stated.

While thanking President Tinubu for appointing her to the position, the former permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education also assured that her office is working closely with the Federal Civil Service Commission to tackle the issue of job racketeering within the service.

“I know that the Federal Civil Service Commission is responsible for recruitment, but we are fully supporting that responsibility. Regarding job racketeering, we will do everything we can to eliminate it,” she said.

“Where someone has obtained a job through fraudulent means, we will work with the commission to ensure that the person is sanctioned,” she added.