Civil servants who travel out of Nigeria under the pretence of furthering their education are about to face serious repercussions. The catch is that they completely relocate and keep taking salaries from the government’s purse.
President Bola Tinubu has announced measures to check this underhand behaviour, highlighting that many civil servants continue to draw salaries from the government’s purse while living abroad.
This issue, driven by the challenging economic conditions and other factors, has led to a significant number of civil servants engaging in what is commonly known as “japa,” where they relocate abroad, often permanently, under the guise of further education. Many reportedly take substantial loans to fund their education abroad but ultimately stay there, depriving the Nigerian civil service of the benefits their advanced education would have brought.
During an award night organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on June 22, to commemorate the 2024 Civil Service Week, President Tinubu directed that all civil servants who have relocated abroad and continue to draw salaries from the government should be made to refund the money. He also called for the punishment of supervisors and department heads who have facilitated this fraud.
“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,” Tinubu said. He emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable and ensuring 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.” He added.
President Tinubu reiterated that the government would take appropriate measures to ensure the culprits are punished and the money is refunded to the government treasury.
This directive is expected to restore integrity within the civil service and prevent further financial losses due to such fraudulent activities.
