In a significant move against corruption within Nigeria’s civil service, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), revealed how a recent physical verification exercise exposed numerous ghost workers living abroad while continuing to draw salaries from Nigeria’s government payroll.
During a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, part of the 2024 Civil Service Week celebrations, Dr. Yemi-Esan detailed the findings of the verification exercise. This year’s Civil Service Week, themed ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa,’ provided a fitting backdrop for discussing systemic reforms.
Dr. Yemi-Esan explained that the exercise aimed to root out fraudulent practices and enhance the efficiency of the civil service. “Recently, we issued a directive to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to conduct a physical headcount of their staff. Every employee receiving a salary was required to appear in person, and those who failed to do so were reported,” she said.
She emphasized accountability, noting that Permanent Secretaries and CEOs providing inaccurate information would face consequences. The initiative revealed a startling number of civil servants living abroad but still listed on the payroll. Many of these individuals, when confronted with the verification process, opted to resign rather than face the repercussions of their actions.
The HoCSF recounted a specific instance involving a parastatal with a significant number of absentee workers. “One agency head reported that some employees rushed back from the UK for the verification, hoping to escape detection. When told to return in two weeks, they knew they couldn’t afford the time off and resigned,” Yemi-Esan explained.
Dr. Yemi-Esan criticized the practice of unauthorized absences, stressing its unfairness to unemployed Nigerians eager for civil service positions. She reiterated the government’s commitment to halting salaries for those who left the service improperly but continued to receive remuneration.
In closing, Dr. Yemi-Esan expressed gratitude to media partners, acknowledging their role in supporting the successful reforms implemented under her leadership. Her office’s ongoing efforts reflect a broader strategy to combat corruption and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s civil service.
As the 2024 Civil Service Week continues, these revelations underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in public service, aligning with the week’s theme of building resilient and inclusive systems for the future of Africa.
