The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, confirmed on Monday that the Federal Government’s investigation into civil servants who continue to receive salaries after relocating abroad is still ongoing.
Addressing concerns at an event in Abuja marking her 100 days in office, Walson-Jack clarified that the investigation has not been abandoned.
She assured that the government is committed to identifying individuals who are benefiting from the system after moving abroad for better opportunities.
This investigation follows an order from President Bola Tinubu five months ago, demanding that civil servants who remain on the payroll while living abroad refund the money. The president also instructed that those responsible for enabling such practices, including supervisors and department heads, be held accountable.
Walson-Jack revealed that the investigation is using the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to track civil servants’ movements, aiming to identify those still abroad. She noted that some individuals had already returned to Nigeria, while others had retired.
The HoS said that the process is ongoing and progress is being made in ensuring that individuals cannot continue receiving salaries while living outside the country.
She said, “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.
“Some progress has been made, and we will continue to monitor the situation until it is fully addressed.”
She expressed her gratitude for the support of her staff and the smooth experience working with the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ during her first 100 days.
“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.
Walson-Jack also addressed job racketeering in the civil service, vowing to work closely with the Federal Civil Service Commission to eliminate fraudulent recruitment practices.
She assured that any individual who obtained a job through unlawful means would be sanctioned.
The Guardian
