FG Continues Investigation into Civil Servants Receiving Salaries Abroad — Head of Civil Service

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, confirmed on Monday that the Federal Government’s investigation into civil servants who continue to receive salaries after relocating abroad is still ongoing.

Addressing concerns about the process being abandoned, Walson-Jack emphasized that the government is determined to ensure that those who have moved abroad seeking better opportunities are no longer benefiting from the public salary system.

Walson-Jack made these remarks at an event in Abuja marking her first 100 days in office and reflecting on her tenure in the civil service.

This follows an order from President Bola Tinubu five months ago, directing that civil servants receiving salaries while living abroad must repay the money. The president also instructed that supervisors and department heads enabling such practices be held accountable.

Walson-Jack stated that the investigation is actively progressing, with the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) being used to track the movement of civil servants. She added, “We are still scrutinizing the IPPIS payroll to identify those who are still in the country and those who are not. This is an ongoing process to ensure that people cannot continue to receive salaries while living abroad.”

She noted that some progress has been made, with certain individuals returning quickly or retiring honorably, and that efforts to resolve the issue will continue.

Reflecting on her first 100 days, Walson-Jack thanked her staff and commended the "Super Permanent Secretaries" for their support, which has ensured a smooth start to her tenure.

She also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing her and assured that her office is collaborating closely with the Federal Civil Service Commission to address job racketeering within the service. She emphasized that any individual who obtained a job fraudulently would face sanctions.