By Chinelo Obogo
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to civil servants over continuous leaks of what it describes as ‘sensitive’ official documents.
In a memo which was uploaded on the website of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, dated February 19, 2024 and signed by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, civil servants were informed that the FG has commenced moves to ensure that official government documents classified as sensitive are not leaked to the public.
The memo, tagged HCSF/3065/VI/189, said the leakages of such documents have become embarrassing to the government and as such become unacceptable.
It read: “It has been observed with dismay, the increase in the cases of leakage of sensitive official documents in Ministries, Departments and Agencies. This is very embarrassing to the government and therefore unacceptable.
“As part of the efforts to curb this undesirable development, all permanent secretaries are to fast-track the migration to the digitalised workflow system, and ensure effective deployment of the Enterprise Content Management Solution.
“This will reduce physical contact with official documents thereby checking the increasing incidence of leakage and circulation of same. Furthermore, permanent secretaries are advised to strongly warn all staff against leaking and circulating official information and documents.
“Any officer caught engaging in such unbecoming act will be severely dealt with in line with the relevant provisions of the Public Service Rules and other extant circulars.”