The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Didi Walson-Jack, has affirmed that the Federal Government's ongoing investigation into civil servants receiving salaries while living abroad remains active and uncompromised.
Dismissing claims that the exercise has been abandoned, Walson-Jack reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that individuals who relocate abroad for better opportunities do not continue to exploit the Nigerian payroll system.
She made this statement during an event in Abuja marking her 100 days in office, which also featured a review of her tenure’s milestones in the civil service.
This initiative follows a directive issued five months ago by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mandating that civil servants benefiting from government salaries while residing abroad refund the illicit payments. The president also directed that supervisors and department heads who enable such practices be held accountable.
Dr. Walson-Jack highlighted that the investigation, which leverages the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), is making headway.
“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,” she explained.
“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 further added, “Some progress has been made, and we will continue to monitor the situation until it is fully addressed.”
The Head of Service expressed gratitude to her staff for their immense support and commended the 'Super Permanent Secretaries' for ensuring a seamless first 100 days in office.
“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.
Dr. Walson-Jack also thanked President Tinubu for entrusting her with the position and assured Nigerians of her commitment to combating job racketeering in collaboration with the Federal Civil Service Commission.
“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 concluded.
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