Segun Atanda/
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for stringent measures to combat fraud within the Nigerian Civil Service.
He made the call yesterday at the 2024 Civil Service Award and Gala Night held at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The event, marking the culmination of the week-long Civil Service Week, saw President Tinubu highlighting significant issues and celebrating the dedication of exemplary civil servants.
He expressed shock over revelations by the Head of Service about civil servants who had relocated abroad while continuing to draw salaries from the treasury without formally resigning.
“The culprits must be made to refund the money they have fraudulently collected,” Tinubu said, emphasizing the need for accountability and punishment for both the fraudulent workers and their supervisors.
“The Nigerian Civil Service cannot just be a workplace where ‘anything is possible,’ where workers violate rules without the fear of punishment or repercussion,” he said, underscoring the essential role of the civil service as the “bedrock, the engine, the locomotive of government”.
Tinubu praised the ongoing efforts to reform the civil service, noting the administration’s commitment to supporting and empowering civil servants. He highlighted the recent implementation of civil service reforms in the Federal Capital Territory, which now allows FCT workers to reach the pinnacle of their careers before retiring.
Reflecting on the strategic importance of the civil service, Tinubu reiterated the administration’s dedication to ensuring the welfare and development of civil servants. He applauded the strategic plan driven by the Federal Civil Service, aligning with the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and commended Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service, for her dedication to embracing necessary changes.
In his address, Tinubu urged ministers, permanent secretaries, and chief executives to expedite reforms within their respective ministries, departments, and agencies, stressing that due process should not hinder efficiency.
The night also honored civil servants who have demonstrated integrity, efficiency, and dedication.
“To whom much is given, much is also expected,” Tinubu reminded the awardees, encouraging them to continue their excellent work.
Concluding his remarks, the President celebrated the diversity and determination of the Nigerian Civil Service, emphasizing its critical role in nation-building.
“God bless the Nigerian Civil Service and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said, leaving the audience with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment.
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