Japa: Civil Servants Who Relocated Abroad Must Repay Salaries – Tinubu

Japa: Civil Servants Who Relocated Abroad Must Repay Salaries – TinubuIn a bold move to enforce accountability within the Nigerian Civil Service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated that civil servants who have relocated abroad while still drawing salaries without officially resigning must repay the funds received during their absence. This declaration was made at the 2024 Civil Service Award and Gala Night, which concluded the week-long 2024 Civil Service Week at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

During a media briefing to commemorate the Civil Service Week, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, revealed alarming instances where employees had moved abroad but continued to receive their salaries without resignation. Highlighting this breach of integrity, she assured that stringent measures are now in place to address and rectify such issues.

President Tinubu emphasized the critical role of the Civil Service in government operations, stressing that misconduct cannot be tolerated. He stated, “We must ensure those responsible are held accountable and restitution is made.” He further elaborated that not only should the individuals involved repay the fraudulently collected salaries, but their supervisors must also face consequences for facilitating such acts under their watch.

“The civil service of any nation is too important for such misconduct to take root or be tolerated,” Tinubu asserted. He underscored that the Civil Service is the foundation and driving force of the government, essential for delivering public services to citizens. Tinubu highlighted the need for a robust and ethical Civil Service, free from practices that undermine its integrity and efficiency.

Tinubu’s directive is clear: “The individuals involved must repay the money they fraudulently collected. Additionally, their supervisors and department heads must be punished for allowing and facilitating this fraud under their supervision.” This strong stance aims to restore confidence in the Civil Service by ensuring that it remains a bastion of accountability and professionalism.

President Tinubu’s message was unequivocal: the Civil Service cannot become a place where ‘anything goes’ and where employees break rules without fear of consequences. By holding individuals accountable and demanding restitution, the administration aims to set a precedent that upholds the values of integrity and responsibility within the Civil Service.