A comprehensive verification exercise of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) has uncovered 1,618 civil servants with fraudulent or illegal employment letters, according to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan.
Dr. Yemi-Esan announced the findings on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, during a press briefing in Abuja as part of the 2024 Civil Service Week Celebrations. She emphasized the significance of the verification process in enhancing the integrity of the civil service payroll.
“Out of 69,308 civil servants who participated in the compulsory verification exercise, 1,618 were found to have fake or illegal appointment letters,” said Dr. Yemi-Esan.
In her address, Dr. Yemi-Esan also highlighted efforts to bolster the skills of civil servants, noting that 8,905 workers received training through the Structured Mandatory Assessment-Based Training Programme under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan.
Additionally, the verification initiative has targeted civil servants who have relocated abroad but continue to receive salaries from the Nigerian civil service.
“We are addressing the issue of civil servants who have taken up jobs abroad while remaining on the payroll. Many are voluntarily resigning following physical verifications,” Dr. Yemi-Esan added.
She warned that those found to be working abroad without official leave would be removed from the payroll once the verification process is complete.
“This practice of earning salaries while being abroad without permission is unacceptable. Once verification is finalized, anyone not present in the country will lose their job,” she asserted.
The findings and actions come as part of broader anti-corruption measures within the civil service, including investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) into over 3,600 public servants.
The revelations underscore the ongoing challenges in managing and maintaining the integrity of the public payroll system and reflect the federal government’s commitment to rooting out fraudulent practices in the civil service.
