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The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, has reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s investigation into civil servants receiving salaries while living abroad is ongoing.
Speaking at an event in Abuja on Monday to commemorate her 100 days in office, Walson-Jack addressed concerns that the probe had been abandoned.
She emphasized the government’s determination to eliminate such irregularities, noting that measures are being taken to ensure that those who have relocated abroad in search of better opportunities no longer benefit from the system.
Tribune Online reports that President Bola Tinubu had directed that civil servants who continue to draw government salaries after relocating abroad must refund the funds received.
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He also instructed that department heads and supervisors facilitating such practices face accountability.
Walson-Jack confirmed that the investigation is progressing, utilizing the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to track staff movements.
“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.
“Some progress has been made, and we will continue to monitor the situation until it is fully addressed,” she stated.
She added that some progress has been achieved, and the monitoring would continue until the matter is fully resolved.
Walson-Jack also used the occasion to reflect on her first 100 days in office, expressing gratitude to her staff and applauding the contributions of the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries,’ which she said had made her tenure a seamless 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 noted.
In addition, she thanked President Tinubu for her appointment and reassured Nigerians that her office is collaborating with the Federal Civil Service Commission to address the issue of job racketeering in 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 pledged.
