The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, announced on Monday that the Federal Government’s investigation into civil servants who continue to receive salaries after relocating abroad is ongoing.
Addressing claims that the investigation had been abandoned, Walson-Jack emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that those who have moved abroad in search of better opportunities no longer benefit from the system.
Speaking at an event in Abuja marking her 100 days in office, Walson-Jack highlighted the progress made in her tenure and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing this issue.
This investigation follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive five months ago, which mandated that civil servants who continue to receive government salaries after relocating abroad must refund the money. The president also called for accountability from supervisors and department heads who enabled such fraudulent practices.
Walson-Jack confirmed that the investigation is still active, utilizing the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to track the movements of workers.
She stated, “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.”
She added, “Some progress has been made, and we will continue to monitor the situation until it is fully addressed.”
Walson-Jack also expressed gratitude to her staff for their support and praised the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ for their contributions to her 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.
Thanking President Tinubu for her appointment, Walson-Jack assured that her office is working closely with the Federal Civil Service Commission to tackle job racketeering within 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 added.
