Heads must roll - Tinubu says civil servants who relocated abroad yet are still receiving salaries must be punished

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lashed out at civil servants still drawing salaries from the government after relocation abroad.

The President directed that all funds must be relocated stating that the culprits’ supervisors and department heads be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud while they were in charge.

He made this known on Saturday, June 22 during the award night organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF) to commemorate the 2024 Civil Service Week.

The event was held to honor outstanding civil servants with the service.

The president expressed dismay over the ghost workers’ attitude.

“During my recent visit to South Africa, I kept abreast of the week’s activities. I was particularly struck by the revelations shared by the head of the civil service 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.

He reiterated that the government would take appropriate measures to punish them and refund the money to the government treasury.

The president acknowledged the challenges in the civil service sector and reiterated his commitment to address them for optimal performance.

“Our administration acknowledges the challenges the civil service is facing. I want to give you the assurance 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.