The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, confirmed on Monday that the Federal Government’s investigation into civil servants still receiving salaries after relocating abroad is ongoing.
She denied claims that the investigation had been abandoned and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that those who have moved abroad for better opportunities are no longer benefiting from government salaries.
Walson-Jack made the statement at an event in Abuja marking her 100 days in office and a review of her tenure in the civil service.
The investigation was first launched five months ago, following an order by President Bola Tinubu that civil servants who continued to receive salaries while living abroad must refund the money.
The president also instructed that department heads and supervisors responsible for enabling such practices should be held accountable.
Confirming the investigation’s progress, Walson-Jack stated, “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.”
She added, “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.”
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Walson-Jack also reported that some progress had been made in the investigation and assured that the situation would be continuously monitored until fully addressed.
During the event, she thanked her staff for their tremendous support and praised the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ for contributing to a smooth first 100 days in office.
“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 said.
While expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for her appointment, the former permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education also assured that her office is working closely with the Federal Civil Service Commission to address the issue of job racketeering within 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,” Walson-Jack stated.
She further emphasized, “Where someone has obtained a job through fraudulent means, we will work with the commission to ensure that the person is sanctioned.”
