President Bola Tinubu on Saturday vowed that federal government civil servants who have relocated abroad and continue to draw salaries must refund the money. Additionally, heads of their departments will be punished for facilitating such behavior.
The President issued these orders during the annual “Awards and Gala Night” marking this year’s civil service week in Abuja.
“During my recent visit to South Africa, I was informed about employees who relocated abroad while still drawing salaries without formally resigning. Measures are being taken to address this issue, but we must ensure those responsible are held accountable and restitution is made,” Tinubu said.
“Culprits must refund the money they have fraudulently collected. Their supervisors and department heads must also be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch.”
President Tinubu emphasized that the Nigerian Civil Service must not be a place where rules are violated without consequence.
“The civil service of any nation is too important for such misconduct to take root or be tolerated,” he stated.
Describing the Civil Service as “the bedrock, the engine, the locomotive of government,” Tinubu added, “As politicians, we are no more than drivers of the locomotives that you provide. Those who say that a nation is as good as its civil service are close to the truth. You are the real establishment that remains to pilot government affairs as we politicians come and go.”
This follows an observation by Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, during a media parley marking Civil Service week.
The President also praised current efforts to groom top talent in the Federal Civil Service through the Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (LEAD-P).
He noted that the plan prioritizes capacity building and talent management through structured training such as LEAD-P and SMAT-P. This is in addition to structures promoting a culture of innovation in the Service.
President Tinubu commended Folasade Yemi-Esan for her efforts in reforming the Civil Service to create a world-class institution that upholds meritocracy and excellence.
“Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and Chief Executives, I urge swift implementation of these reforms within your respective ministries. Our commitment to delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda demands urgency, without compromising due process,” he said.
The LEAD-P program, part of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025 (FCSSIP 2021–2025), aims to identify, mentor, and train about 500 future civil service leaders by 2025. The Office of the HoSF works in partnership with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation to ensure efficient service delivery to citizens.
So far, over 200 officers have been trained and deployed to various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government. Participants, mainly civil servants, undergo an 8-week internship in private sector organizations to gain experience in efficient work processes, organizational values, ethics, innovation, and effective management styles.
President Tinubu emphasized that successive governments have relied on the Civil Service to translate National Development Plans into high-impact programs and projects.
“We look to you to continue this legacy under our administration,” he added, assuring that his administration is committed to cultivating, empowering, and professionalizing human capital within the Civil Service.
“It is imperative to foster a culture of excellence and instill confidence among our civil servants,” he said. Tinubu also acknowledged the challenges faced by the civil service but assured that the government is committed to ensuring the welfare and development of all civil servants to deliver optimal performance for the nation’s growth.
The event marked the end of a week-long program for the 2024 annual civil service week.
