President Bola Tinubu has demanded severe penalties for Nigerian civil servants who relocate abroad while continuing to draw salaries from Nigeria as well as those complicit in facilitating such fraudulent activities.

Addressing attendees at the grand finale of the 2024 Civil Service Week Award and Gala Night held on Saturday, June 22, President Tinubu expressed his concern over revelations shared by the head of the civil service regarding employees who had unlawfully received salaries after moving abroad without formal resignation.

“We must ensure those responsible are held accountable and restitution is made. The culprits must refund the money they fraudulently collected, and their supervisors and department heads must also face consequences for their complicity,” President Tinubu asserted.

Emphasising the importance of a robust and disciplined civil service, President Tinubu underscored that such misconduct undermines the integrity and effectiveness of Nigeria’s governmental institutions.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding meritocracy and fostering a culture of excellence within the civil service.

President Tinubu’s remarks come amidst ongoing efforts to reform the civil service, highlighted by recent initiatives aimed at enhancing employee welfare and performance across ministries and departments.