• says some have returned, others honourably retired
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, has announced progress in addressing the issue of civil servants who continue to receive salaries from the Nigerian government after relocating abroad. This initiative stems from a directive issued by President Bola Tinubu in June, which required these employees to refund their salaries.
According to Walson-Jack, at a press briefing in Abuja, Monday as part of her 100 days in office, said following verification efforts, some civil servants have returned to Nigeria, while others have opted for honourable retirement. The government is utilizing the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to monitor compliance and combat fraudulent practices within the civil service.
Walson-Jack, who was responding to a question asking for update said: ““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.
“Some progress has been made, and we will continue to monitor the situation until it is fully addressed,” she stated.”
President Tinubu had also instructed that department heads and supervisors facilitating such practices must give accounts.
Walson-Jack also used the opportunity to look back on her first 100 days in office, thanking her employees and praising the work of the “Super Permanent Secretaries,” who she claimed had made her time there easy.
“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 noted.
She also disclosed that her office is collaborating with the Federal Civil Service Commission to address the issue of job racketeering in 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.
“Where someone has obtained a job through fraudulent means, we will work with the commission to ensure that the person is sanctioned,” she assured.
The Head of Service of the Federation also announced a partnership with the Nigeria Consumer Credit Corporation (CrediCorp) to establish a consumer credit system aimed at enhancing the welfare of civil servants.
Walson-Jack stated, “We are committed to improving access to affordable credit for our workers. This initiative will not only enhance their welfare but also empower them economically”, adding that the proposed system would enable civil servants to access life-enhancing goods and services more easily.
According to her, the proposed Consumer Credit System would improve workers access to affordable credit and enhance their welfare.
The HCSF, who vowed to leave the Service better than she met it, also said that she was committed to fostering creativity and innovation in the civil service.
Walson-Jack while reeling out her achievements in office in the last 100 days said “Several policies and guidelines have also been presented for stakeholder validation, including the Rewards and Recognition Policy and Guidelines, the Incentive and Consequence Management Policy and Guidelines, the Mentoring Framework, and the Protocol on the Use of Federal Government Secretariats.
“As part of the Rewards and Recognition Policy, we celebrated newly promoted directors on 22 November 2024. A comprehensive on-boarding package for new employees is also being developed, which will include induction programmes, welcome packs, and guided tours.
“These efforts are designed to create a positive first impression and instill a sense of belonging in every new civil servant. Additionally, a book documenting the history of the Federal Civil Service is being commissioned to preserve its rich legacy and inspire future generations.
“To further support Civil Servants, we are collaborating with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation to establish a consumer credit system, which will improve access to affordable credit and enhance their welfare.
“Finally, we are fostering creativity and innovation within the Civil Service through ongoing competitions, including an innovation contest and a Federal Civil Service logo design competition.
“These initiatives are designed to encourage civil servants to think outside the box and contribute solutions to the challenges we face.”
She listed as part of her achievements in the last 100 days to include the publication and dissemination of the Civil Service Anthem, inauguration of ‘War Rooms’ to oversee the six pillars of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25); meeting with the United Kingdom’s Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, Rt. Hon. Simon Case which opened avenues for collaboration, including capacity building and the exchange of best practices that would strengthen the Federal Civil Service; representing Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA); convening retreats with the top management staff of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and having a broader retreat with Permanent Secretaries across the service, amongst others.
“As I reflect on these achievements, I am mindful that our journey has only just begun. The work of transforming the Federal Civil Service is a continuous process, one that requires dedication, collaboration, and resilience. I am deeply committed to
ensuring that the Civil Service I leave behind is better than the one I met, just as my predecessor did before me. To every civil servant, every stakeholder, and every Nigerian, I urge you to join us on this journey. Together, we can build a Civil Service that is innovative, efficient, and truly responsive to the needs of the people it serves,” she concluded.