The Federal Government of Nigeria has made a significant discovery in its ongoing efforts to reform the civil service and eliminate corruption. The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) announced that 1,618 federal civil servants have been found to possess fake and illegal letters of employment.
This discovery was made through the verification process conducted by the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). The verification exercise covered 69,854 officers across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government in all 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, stated that these workers have been suspended from the IPPIS platform and handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for thorough investigation and prosecution. This action sends a strong message that the government is committed to eradicating corruption and fraudulent activities within the civil service.
Prior to the implementation of the IPPIS and other control mechanisms, the civil service was plagued by leakages, wastages, and the infiltration of ghost workers. The introduction of the HR Module of the IPPIS aimed to address these issues and streamline the employment process.
The verification exercise also aims to ensure that officers on the payroll are bona fide employees who were employed through legitimate means. The discovery of these 1,618 fake and illegal employment letters highlights the success of the verification process in uncovering fraudulent activities and ensuring accountability.
Dr. Yemi-Esan revealed that there is an ongoing verification process for 205,411 officers across non-core MDAs and that the ICPC has already begun investigating 3,657 officers who were found to be absent during the verification audit.
Furthermore, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation emphasized the importance of digitalization in driving public sector transformation. The Office of the Head of Service has collaborated with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation to deploy technological solutions that enable digital record-keeping, open government, and efficient workflow monitoring.
As part of these efforts, the Office of the Head of Service has gone paperless, resulting in cost savings on stationery and computer consumables. The adoption of electronic content management solutions by other MDAs further signifies progress in digital transformation.
In conclusion, the discovery of 1,618 federal civil servants with fake letters of employment is a significant achievement in the fight against corruption in the Nigerian civil service. The government's commitment to reforming the system, implementing digital solutions, and ensuring the accountability of its workforce is commendable. This action not only protects public funds but also fosters trust and confidence in the government's ability to deliver on its mandate.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-07-25 News
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