On Monday, Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Nigeria, addressed the ongoing investigation concerning civil servants who continue to receive salaries after relocating abroad, a situation referred to as “japa”. She emphasized that these efforts are not being ignored and highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum to ensure that individuals seeking better opportunities overseas are no longer taking advantage of the Nigerian payroll system. Since President Bola Tinubu mandated the investigation a few months ago, some civil servants have either resigned or returned to Nigeria to fulfill their work obligations, demonstrating a response to government scrutiny.
The backdrop to this scrutiny began when President Tinubu ordered that civil servants who were improperly drawing salaries while living abroad must repay those funds. Furthermore, he directed sanctions against the supervisors and department heads who previously overlooked or facilitated such fraudulent activities. This directive was highlighted during an award night organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, which coincided with the 2024 Civil Service Week. Walson-Jack reinforced the ongoing nature of this investigation by assuring that the process involves continuous verification through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), with intentions to maintain accountability over time.
Walson-Jack disclosed that several civil servants had proactively responded to the situation; some returned to Nigeria while others retired honorably, indicating an acknowledgment of the seriousness of their situation. The monitoring of civil servants’ statuses is to ensure that those who have relocated abroad are not benefiting from the public payroll system simultaneously. Walson-Jack asserted that this scrutiny, utilizing tools like IPPIS, will remain a regular practice to safeguard public resources against misappropriation by unaccounted individuals.
Reflecting on her first 100 days in office, Walson-Jack noted this period is a crucial time for assessing progress, achievements, and setting future goals. During her tenure, she believes she has received tremendous support from her staff and leadership, particularly from the ‘Super Permanent Secretary’, which contributed to a smooth transition and effective governance. Acknowledging the mandate to ensure a robust civil service, she expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting her with such a significant role in the Nigerian civil service.
In her address, Walson-Jack also mentioned a concerted effort to tackle the issue of job racketeering within the civil service. Although recruitment is the responsibility of the Federal Civil Service Commission, her office intends to support these efforts actively. She emphasized the need for stringent actions against anyone found to have acquired their positions through fraudulent means, including an obligation to collaborate with the commission to ensure appropriate disciplinary measures are enforced against such individuals.
Overall, Walson-Jack’s leadership reflects a commitment to reforming the Nigerian civil service by addressing enduring challenges such as fraudulent salary claims and job racketeering. By fostering accountability and transparency within the system, she aims to strengthen public trust in government operations. The ongoing probe into japa workers symbolizes a broader effort to align civil service practices with ethical standards, ensuring that both current and future employment practices reflect integrity and meritocracy.
