Breaking News: Tinubu Threatens-Sanctions On Civil-Servants Drawing Salaries While Abroad (Details)

Breaking News: Tinubu Threatens-Sanctions On Civil-Servants Drawing Salaries While Abroad (Details)

President Bola Tinubu has strongly criticized civil servants who continue to draw salaries without officially resigning despite relocating abroad. Speaking at the 2024 Civil Service Award and Gala Night on Saturday evening, Tinubu declared that those found guilty must not only repay the illegally obtained funds but also face disciplinary action. He insisted that supervisors and heads of departments implicated in facilitating the fraud should also be held accountable.

Represented by the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the event, Tinubu applauded the efforts made by civil servants such as Odii Ndubuisi Barry, a GL 17 Director with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Barry received the Presidential Civil Service Merit Award for his pivotal role in coordinating Nigerian team movements and international legal consultations during the Nigeria-Cameroon litigation over Bakassi, while serving as a protocol officer to the National Boundary Commission.

Addressing the audience, Tinubu emphasized the need for stringent measures against misconduct within the Civil Service, describing it as the backbone of government operations and the driving force behind public service delivery. He stressed the importance of maintaining integrity and adherence to rules, rejecting any notion of impunity or leniency for rule violations.

“In my recent visit to South Africa, I was alarmed by revelations from the Head of the Civil Service concerning employees drawing salaries while residing abroad without formal resignation. While steps have been taken to address this issue, it is imperative that those responsible are brought to justice and restitution is enforced,” Tinubu remarked.

He underscored the pivotal role of the Civil Service in executing national development plans and implementing government policies effectively across sectors. Tinubu affirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting civil service reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery.

Last year, Tinubu’s administration approved significant reforms in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, establishing its civil service commission, Head of Service, and appointing six permanent secretaries. These reforms, he noted, were aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, driving strategic planning and prioritizing meritocracy and excellence in public service.

Tinubu commended Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Service of the Federation, for her leadership in steering reforms towards establishing a world-class civil service. He urged ministers, permanent secretaries, and chief executives to prioritize the Renewed Hope Agenda and expedite the implementation of reforms without compromising procedural integrity.

“While due process remains non-negotiable, we must eliminate unnecessary bureaucracies and expedite service delivery for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Tinubu concluded.

In her keynote address, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan highlighted the achievements of the 39 recipients of the 2024 Federal Civil Service Rewards and Recognition awards. The awards included the Presidential Distinguished Public Service Career Award, Presidential Civil Service Merit Award, and Public Service Excellence Award, among others. Dr. Mrs. Mercy Olanike Ilori, a Director at the Ministry of Transportation, received the star prize, a brand-new 2023 JAC JS4 SUV, for her outstanding contributions to ministry initiatives, including the FCCCSIPS ecard development and implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS).

The event, sponsored by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, underscored the commitment to rewarding excellence and promoting a culture of meritocracy within the Nigerian Civil Service.