BREAKING: Tinubu Moves To Halt ‘Ghost’ Salaries For Overseas Workers 

BREAKING: Tinubu Moves To Halt ‘Ghost’ Salaries For Overseas Workers 

President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive stating that civil servants who are receiving salaries from the government while residing abroad must repay the funds.

In addition to this, he has mandated that the supervisors and department heads responsible for overseeing these individuals must also face repercussions for their roles in enabling this fraudulent activity.

Tinubu conveyed this directive during an event held on Saturday as part of the 2024 Civil Service Week celebrations, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The event also served as a platform to recognize and honor exemplary civil servants from key ministries.

The President’s message, delivered by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, expressed disappointment at the presence of ghost workers within the civil service, reiterating the government’s commitment to holding them accountable and reclaiming the misappropriated funds for the national treasury.

“During my recent visit to South Africa, I kept abreast of the week’s activities.

“I was particularly struck by the revelations the Head of the Civil Service shared regarding employees who had relocated abroad while drawing salaries without formally resigning.

“It is heartening to hear that measures have been taken to address this issue, but we must ensure those responsible are held accountable and restitution is made.

“The culprits must be made to 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,” Tinubu said.

Acknowledging the existing challenges within the civil service sector, the President reaffirmed his dedication to implementing measures that would enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the system to ensure optimal performance and service delivery.

“Our administration acknowledges the challenges the civil service is facing.

“I want to assure you that we are committed to ensuring the welfare and development of all civil servants to deliver optimal performance for the growth of our nation.

“Over the past year, I have provided all the necessary support to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to ensure the continued stability of the civil service.

“I also supported the office in implementing far-reaching policies and reforms capable of improving efficiency and service delivery, ” the president said

(NAN)