The Federal Government has launched an intensified effort to identify and penalize civil servants who continue to draw salaries despite relocating abroad.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this during an event in Abuja marking her 100 days in office.
She reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate fraudulent practices in the civil service payroll and ensure accountability.
Walson-Jack revealed that the investigation, initiated five months after President Bola Tinubu’s directive, relies on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to track irregularities.
The system has been instrumental in identifying cases where public funds are diverted to individuals no longer serving within the country.
“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 said.
She emphasized that the government is determined to ensure that only active civil servants within Nigeria benefit from the payroll.
“We are 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 added.
President Tinubu had earlier mandated that civil servants found guilty of the fraudulent act refund all monies received.
Additionally, department heads and supervisors who facilitate such practices would face punitive measures.
Walson-Jack noted that some progress has been made in addressing the issue, but the government remains committed to monitoring and resolving the matter comprehensively.
She highlighted that these measures are part of broader reforms aimed at maintaining the integrity of the civil service and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources.
The crackdown underscores the federal government’s dedication to curbing corruption and safeguarding public funds at a time of economic challenges.
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