President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has issued a directive calling for government employees residing abroad, who continue to receive salaries without formally resigning, to repay the funds they have received. Tinubu further emphasized that supervisors of such individuals will be held accountable for allowing this fraudulent practice to persist.
At the 2024 Civil Service Award and Gala Night held in Abuja on Saturday, Tinubu reiterated his stance on maintaining integrity within the civil service, stressing that actions like drawing salaries while residing overseas will not be condoned. He urged strict adherence to regulations and accountability within the civil service.
During his visit to South Africa, Tinubu acknowledged the reports shared by Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service, regarding employees relocating abroad while receiving salaries. He commended the steps taken to address this misconduct but emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable and seeking restitution for the funds received illegitimately.
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In a parallel development, the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has raised concerns about the delayed payment of wage awards for March, April, and May 2024 for federal workers. The FWF emphasized their right to receive their rightful earnings and urged the government to fulfill its financial obligations.
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s call to resist mass emigration, termed the “Japa syndrome,” aligns with the workers’ demand for timely payment. The federal workers have announced plans for peaceful protests starting on June 24, 2024, to press for their overdue wages, underscoring their right to fair treatment and just compensation for their labor.
The workers have sought solidarity from industrial unions, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), condemning the delay in disbursing pensions and gratuities to retired workers. They advocate for their fundamental rights as citizens to be upheld, emphasizing their status as deserving individuals entitled to prompt payment for their services.
