FG Removes 1,618 Civil Servants with Fake Employment from IPPIS
In a significant move towards eradicating corruption and ensuring the integrity of the Nigerian civil service, the Federal Government has removed 1,618 civil servants found with counterfeit employment letters from the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS). This announcement was made by Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, during a media briefing in Abuja as part of the 2024 Civil Service Week celebrations.
Impact of Physical Verifications
Dr. Yemi-Esan revealed that the rigorous physical verifications conducted by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have led to a substantial reduction in the civil service workforce. Previously inflated to over 100,000, the verified count now stands at 69,308. This verification process has been instrumental in identifying and removing individuals with illegal and counterfeit employment documents from the payroll system.
Collaboration with Anti-Corruption Agencies
Addressing the persistent issue of corruption within the public service, Dr. Yemi-Esan emphasized the importance of collaboration with key anti-corruption bodies. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been pivotal in supporting the efforts to eliminate malpractice and fraudulent activities within the civil service.
Strengthening Integrity and Accountability
The removal of these fraudulent employees marks a significant step towards strengthening the integrity and accountability of Nigeria’s civil service. By ensuring that only legitimately employed individuals are on the payroll, the government aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.
Statements from Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan
During the media parley, Dr. Yemi-Esan stated: “Our commitment to cleansing the civil service of fraudulent practices remains unwavering. The collaboration with the ICPC and EFCC has been crucial in identifying and removing those with counterfeit employment letters. This effort is part of a broader initiative to enhance transparency and accountability within the public service.”
She further highlighted the importance of maintaining a lean and efficient workforce: “Through thorough verifications, we have reduced the civil service workforce from over 100,000 to a verified count of 69,308. This process not only helps in identifying fraudulent employees but also ensures that resources are allocated effectively to support a competent and dedicated workforce.”
She stated: “We work closely with ICPC and EFCC to curb corruption. Even when we have not been able to verify allegations of corrupt practices in the service.
“We endeavor to divert attention of civil servants from engaging in corrupt practices by providing welfare packages like housing schemes with a single-digit interest rate.
“These welfare packages have helped to reduce temptation for civil servants to engage in corruption.”
Yemi-Esan also disclosed the successful deployment of a whistleblower scheme, encouraging individuals to report corruption anonymously through online platforms or directly to the OHCSF.
She highlighted the ongoing digital transformation across ministries, emphasising a mandate for all MDAs to achieve full migration to digital processes by the end of 2025.
Acknowledging progress in the process she lamented resistance from certain MDAs and the public in embracing the reforms.
She added that the service has streamlined its operations to eliminate reliance on hard copy correspondence to exclusively manage official communications through digital channels.
Yemi-Esan maintained that the Tinubu-led administration was committed to modernizing and ensuring transparency within Nigeria’s civil service, marking a pivotal step towards a more efficient and accountable public sector.
The Role of MDAs in Verification
The various MDAs played a crucial role in the verification process, meticulously examining employment documents and ensuring that only those with legitimate credentials remain on the payroll. This collaborative effort underscores the collective commitment of the government agencies to uphold the principles of integrity and good governance.