Civil servants receiving salaries abroad still under investigation — HoS

The investigation into civil servants who continue to receive salaries while living abroad is still ongoing, according to Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

During a recent event in Abuja to mark her 100 days in office, Walson-Jack reassured the public that the government is committed to identifying and eliminating any civil servants benefiting from the system despite relocating abroad in search of better opportunities.

This investigation comes five months after President Bola Tinubu ordered that civil servants who continue to receive government salaries after moving abroad must refund the money. The president also directed that supervisors and department heads who facilitate such fraudulent practices be held accountable.

Walson-Jack confirmed that the process is actively ongoing and that officials are using the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to monitor employee movements. She explained, “We are continuing the process of scrutinizing the IPPIS payroll to identify those who are still in the country and those who are abroad. This will be an ongoing effort to ensure no one receives a salary while living overseas.”

She also noted that some civil servants have already returned, while others have retired voluntarily, and progress is being made in the investigation. The Head of Civil Service commended the support of her staff and the role of the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ in ensuring her first 100 days in office were successful.

Reflecting on her tenure, Walson-Jack emphasized the importance of the 100-day milestone as a time to evaluate achievements, set new goals, and plan for the future. She also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for her appointment and affirmed her office’s commitment to working with the Federal Civil Service Commission to tackle issues such as job racketeering. “We will do everything we can to eliminate job racketeering,” she assured, stressing that those who gain employment through fraudulent means would face sanctions.